Key Role Player Remains Ruled Out For Lakers-Nuggets Game 2
On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will be in Colorado to face off against the Denver Nuggets for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Nuggets won the first game (also in Colorado) by a score of 132-126 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
For Game 2, the Lakers will remain without backup center Mo Bamba, who has missed the last seven games due to an ankle injury.
Via Underdog NBA: "Status alert: Mo Bamba (ankle) ruled out for Thursday."
Despite being ruled out, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Bamba rejoined the team in Denver on Wednesday.
Via McMenamin on Wednesday: "Mo Bamba has rejoined the team in Denver but is listed as out for Game 2 with his left ankle injury."
The former Texas star spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Orlando Magic (he was the sixth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft) before being traded to the Lakers in February.
During the regular season, the 25-year-old averaged 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.7% from the three-point range.
Bamba has only played in three NBA Playoff games, but he is the tallest player on the roster, which is why his availability is significant.
In Game 1, the Nuggets (47) had 17 more rebounds than the Lakers (30).
Following Thursday's contest, the teams will go to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4.
The winner of the series will advance to the 2023 NBA Finals.
