The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-117, on Wednesday, giving them their fifth victory in their last seven games. But make no mistake: They’re up against it; they’re extremely short-handed.
They were already without LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell when they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. But on Wednesday they were also missing Anthony Davis, who sat out, reportedly for precautionary reasons.
There was some hope Russell, who suffered a sprained ankle nearly a week ago in a win against the Golden State Warriors, could return on Friday when the Lakers return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves. But according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, he will sit once again.
D’Angelo Russell will miss a fourth straight game Friday against Minnesota because of his right ankle sprain, Russell told ESPN. Asked if Sunday vs. GSW was a potential return date, Russell said, “We’ll see once we get through Friday.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 2, 2023
The absences of Russell and James have left L.A. with a lack of reliable ball handlers and shot creators. Dennis Schroder, the only other true ball-handling guard, did well on Wednesday with 26 points and six assists, but the team needs its three best players back sooner than later.
