The Los Angeles Lakers are engaged in a tight defensive-minded battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team with the best record in the Western Conference. They’re looking to improve their 17-15 record and give themselves at least a little momentum before the calendar turns to 2024.
While Anthony Davis and LeBron James are playing well, the rest of the Lakers are struggling offensively. That includes guard D’Angelo Russell, who had apparently broken out of the slump he had been in for most of December.
After going 1-of-4 from the field in 20 minutes, Russell was ruled out of the rest of the contest due to a bruised tailbone.
D'Angelo Russell suffered a bruised tailbone drawing that offensive foul at the end of the 3rd Q. He'll miss the rest of the game, per the Lakers.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 31, 2023
Los Angeles is already a bit short on backcourt depth. Gabe Vincent will be out for at least the next eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery.