D’Angelo Russell will not suit up for Lakers on Friday against Timberwolves

The shorthanded Lakers will continue to be depleted when they host the Timberwolves on Friday.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-117, on Wednesday, giving them their fifth victory in their last seven games. But make no mistake: They’re up against it; they’re extremely short-handed.

They were already without LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell when they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. But on Wednesday they were also missing Anthony Davis, who sat out, reportedly for precautionary reasons.

There was some hope Russell, who suffered a sprained ankle nearly a week ago in a win against the Golden State Warriors, could return on Friday when the Lakers return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves. But according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, he will sit once again.

The absences of Russell and James have left L.A. with a lack of reliable ball handlers and shot creators. Dennis Schroder, the only other true ball-handling guard, did well on Wednesday with 26 points and six assists, but the team needs its three best players back sooner than later.

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