The Lakers had a whole host of injury updates at practice, including the status of Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell ahead of Saturday’s game against the Kings.
The Lakers’ win over the Warriors on Christmas Day was impressive for many reasons, perhaps none more so than they did it while shorthanded.
After heading into the game without D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers lost Anthony Davis early on in the contest. They survived without them on Wednesday, but that’s not viable long-term.
At practice on Wednesday, head coach JJ Redick provided updates on the pair along with injury news on LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, both who missed practice.
All things considered, signs seemed positive for the Lakers coming out of their Christmas Day matchup regarding AD. After the game, he told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that he would play on Saturday against the Kings.
For now, he is listed as questionable for the Lakers. Meanwhile, D’Lo looks likely to return after one game out.
D’Angelo Russell (left thumb) participated in practice Friday and is probable for SAC. Anthony Davis did not participate, using the time to receive treatment on his ankle. He is officially listed as questionable for SAC, however he told ESPN on Wednesday that he planned to play,
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 27, 2024
Russell injured is thumb in the fourth quarter against the Pistons. He exited the game and did not return after the injury. Hopefully, the short-term absence will help him reset offensively and find his jumper.
Two unexpected additions to the injury report for the Lakers are LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Both are considered questionable will illness after missing Friday’s practice.
LeBron James and Rui Hachimura both were not at practice Friday, excused absences, because of illnesses. They ate both questionable for Saturday, per JJ Redick.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 27, 2024
Illnesses are pretty unpredictable in terms of availability. Keeping them away from the facility may have as much to do with not wanting to get the rest of the team sick as it is about them resting.
Needless to say, considering how much of a load LeBron and Rui carried against the Warriors after AD’s injury, it’s important for the pair to be available.
In some good news, Jaxson Hayes returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday.
Jaxson Hayes was a limited participant in practice Friday. He went through non-contact portions of the session, per JJ Redick.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 27, 2024
Hayes re-injured his ankle against the Suns in late November. At the time, he was given a two-to-three-week timeline, but considering the injury came in his first game back, it’s not surprising that things carried on a bit past that deadline.
As much as the team needs him back, what they don’t need is him out another month.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
