Report: Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard cleared from health and safety protocol

The short-handed Lakers could be getting some much needed depth back on Tuesday.

Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against arguably the best team in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers will be adding some much-needed depth as two players have cleared health and safety protocol.

The Lakers began the day with eight players listed as out against the Phoenix Suns, but ESPN’s Dave McMenamin is reporting that both Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker have been cleared from the league’s health and safety protocol.

Horton-Tucker has not played since December 12 against the Magic. For the month he’s averaging 12 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Lakers had been experimenting with Dwight Howard in the starting lineup prior to his entry into protocol on December 15. Howard will undoubtedly have an even bigger role in the coming month after Anthony Davis’ injury.

Tuesday’s game against the Suns will begin at 7 p.m. PT on TNT.

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