Cam Reddish won’t return to Lakers-Jazz game due to groin soreness

The Lakers will have to get it done without forward Cam Reddish, one of their surprise contributors this season.

One positive surprise for the Los Angeles Lakers this season has been forward Cam Reddish. In four previous NBA seasons, he had amounted to little and was considered a bust by some people after he had been a lottery pick in the 2019 draft.

The Lakers decided to take a flyer on him in free agency this past summer. After showing some brief glimpses of promise to begin the season, he was moved into the starting lineup for a Nov. 10 contest against the Phoenix Suns.

He has played well ever since, and not coincidentally, L.A. has won five of six games since. Reddish has especially helped out on the defensive end, where his anticipation has led to plenty of steals for him.

Unfortunately, he exited Tuesday’s contest against the Utah Jazz early. He will not return due to groin soreness.

The team is already a bit short-handed at the wing and forward spots as Jarred Vanderbilt is still out with left heel bursitis. With Reddish unable to return, second-year man Max Christie is getting some playing time, and he will have to step up, especially on the offensive end.