The Los Angeles Lakers have had a seemingly endless string of injuries this season. With the stretch run underway, they’re without Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt, arguably their two best perimeter defenders, as well as Christian Wood, their main backup big man.
Their lack of reliable personnel in the frontcourt played a role in them being outrebounded badly on Sunday in their 123-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers face another vital contest on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers, who are in fourth place in the Western Conference. Fortunately, they will get a bit of help; forward Cam Reddish will return after missing just over a month of action with an ankle injury.
Cam Reddish will return tonight, per Darvin Ham. He’s been out with an ankle injury since the last time the Lakers played the Clippers on Jan. 23.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 29, 2024
Reddish isn’t an impact player, but his ability to pressure the ball and go after steals and deflections will help his team.
Not only will the Clippers be without perennial All-Star forward Paul George, but starting center Ivica Zubac is also unable to play versus the Lakers.
Ivica Zubac is out tonight due to illness. Paul George is also out.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 29, 2024
The Lakers are in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 31-28 record. They have lost two of their last three games coming out of the All-Star break.