The Lakers’ recent performances were too successful, thus, an injury was inevitable. D’Angelo Russell was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Rockets at halftime due to pain in his left foot, adding to the long list of injuries he has endured.
Russell only recently made a full recovery from an injury. Russell could have played if necessary, according to head coach Darvin Ham, who said the move was precautionary after the game.
Injury update: D’Angelo Russell is out for the rest of the game tonight due to left foot soreness.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 3, 2023
It seems like a calculated gamble given the strength of the opposition and the ease with which the Lakers prevailed without him.
Although Russell’s homecoming to Los Angeles has been enjoyable, injuries have made it less enjoyable. He missed six games after twisting his ankle on a Warriors player’s foot.
Darvin Ham on the decision to hold Russell out for the second half with the left foot issue: “It was definitely precautionary. He could have continued if we needed him. Didn’t want to risk it.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 3, 2023
Then, after missing seven games, right hip soreness forced him to miss two. Yet the Lakers looked terrific for 2.5 games after D’Lo made his comeback on Wednesday in Chicago.
That led to the Houston game, where Russell finished the first 15 minutes of play with six points, four assists, and three rebounds on 2-4 shooting.
The Lakers play the Jazz on Tuesday to end their road trip before returning to Los Angeles on Wednesday for another “road” game against the Clippers.
Every game counts in the final week of the regular season as the Lakers try to climb the playoff standings. The Lakers’ starting lineup has been outstanding, with Russell in it.
The starting lineup of Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Anthony Davis had a net rating of +13.7 in 28 minutes combined over three games before Sunday’s game.
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Given that the Lakers’ season has been defined by injury drama, it is only fitting that the season’s final week feature some injury drama. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this isn’t a severe wound.
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