Lakers Injury Report: D'Angelo Russell Status Downgraded Ahead Of Mavericks Game
Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D'Angelo Russell appeared to badly twist his ankle yesterday in the first quarter of LA's 124-111 victory over the Golden State Warriors. He inadvertently landed on Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo's foot and instantly fell to the floor with a hair over four minutes left in the first quarter
After the game, Russell expressed optimism that he would be healthy enough to play for Los Angeles as soon as the team's next game, against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. It now appears that, though imaging did indicate he avoided a major injury, he could miss some time, after all.
LA head coach Darvin Ham was a bit more pessimistic today. Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Russell is considered doubtful to suit up Sunday, in a matchup against the All-Star point guard LA whiffed on at the trade deadline before the team pivoted to D-Lo: Kyrie Irving.
Should D-Lo not be able to go, longtime LA starter Dennis Schröder seems more than capable of carrying the load in the interim while Russell gets right. Last night against the visiting Warriors, the 6'3" backup notched 13 points while shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line, plus six dimes.
The 28-32 Lakers now sit just 1.5 games behind the 29-30 Warriors for the Western Conference's 10th seed and the right to appear in the play-in tournament this season. Every victory is precious, and a long-term injury to Russell could adversely impact some much-needed wins.
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