The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing surprisingly well recently despite the absence of NBA superstar LeBron James. James is sidelined for a few weeks as he recovers from an injury to his foot, but the team has gone 3-2 with him sidelined.
He isn’t the only player that the Lakers have been missing as point guard D’Angelo Russell has also been sidelined because of an ankle injury. Russell has been sidelined for the last six games after suffering his injury on February 23rd against the Golden State Warriors.
Needing as many reinforcements as possible, the Lakers have received good news concerning Russell’s return to the court. There is a chance that he returns as early as this week against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Head coach Darvin Ham said that Russell is progressing according to plan and a final decision will be made during pre-game warmups.
NBA NEWS: D’Angelo Russell & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It was also revealed that he took part in a contact workout on Monday, so he was close to taking the court on Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, the team erred on the side of caution.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft is eligible for an extension this offseason and there is reportedly mutual interest between him and the team. How well he plays down the stretch will be a determining factor in just how much money he can earn as a free agent this summer.
In 58 games between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lakers this season, Russell is averaging 17.6 points, 6.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He is having the most efficient season of his career with an effective field goal percentage of 56.4 and a true shooting percentage of 60.1.
NBA NEWS: D’Angelo Russell & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Once Russell is able to return to the court, he should reassume his position in the starting five. Dennis Schroder could move back to the bench with such a move. Malik Beasley and Austin Reaves could see their minutes take a hit as well.
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