The Los Angeles Lakers are vying for a spot in the playoffs, either via the play-in tournament or a top-six seed in the Western Conference.
They will have to do so while short-handed, as LeBron James is expected to miss at least three weeks with a right foot tendon injury he sustained in a Feb. 26 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
In addition, point guard D’Angelo Russell has been out ever since he sprained his ankle on Feb. 23 versus the Golden State Warriors.
Although his status for Tuesday’s tilt with the Memphis Grizzlies was upgraded from doubtful to questionable, he will not suit up.
D'Angelo Russell is out tonight. It'll be the 6th straight game he misses with his ankle injury.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 8, 2023
Once again, L.A. will be forced to get by with Dennis Schroder running the point and Austin Reaves, who is more of a wing, taking on ball-handling and facilitating duties off the bench.
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