Another dangerous injury that befalls the Lakers…
In an attempt to take advantage of a run of games at Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers released a mixed bag of injury news for their Wednesday game against the Miami Heat.
LeBron James (non-COVID sickness) is doubtful, D’Angelo Russell (tailbone contusion) is questionable, while Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain/bone bruise) and Cam Reddish (left groin soreness) are expected to play against the Heat.
Rui Hachimura (left calf strain) and Gabe Vincent (left knee surgery) were ruled out.
The Lakers have always suffered from injury, and the 2023–24 season is no different as several players will lose time because of ailments.
Davis’s remark that the team’s health will be its biggest shortcoming was only reinforced by Hachimura’s need to leave the game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first quarter.
Although Hachimura’s injury does not appear to be serious, he will probably miss a few games. Hachimura has had some unfortunate luck, since he was already dealing with his recovery from a nose fracture.
Positively, Reddish looks like he will be back in the Lakers starting lineup after sitting out their most recent encounter with the Pelicans. Reddish has been dealing with a groin problem all season, but he should be OK after taking a few days off to recuperate.
Russell injured his tailbone during the Minnesota Timberwolves game, thus it is unclear if he will play in the big game against the Heat. In the third quarter, Russell was flagged for an offensive foul and was unable to play again. The next day, he was ruled out against New Orleans, and it appears like he will miss a second consecutive game.
Although it is a positive thing that Reddish is a part of the mix, the absence of Russell would put further pressure on James and Davis since all three have been mainstays in head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation.
James himself is not guaranteed to play against his old side because he has not been well lately. This past weekend, James was viewed with suspicion; even though he dressed, he did not look exactly like him.
