The Los Angeles Lakers ended a rough stretch of games with a 129-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on New Year’s Eve. They had Monday and Tuesday off, and it was a much-needed respite for a team that had lost eight of its last 11 games and played 10 of its last 13 games away from Los Angeles.
The Lakers will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday. It will begin a stretch in which they will play 11 of 12 games at Crypto.com Arena. This stretch will give them a golden opportunity to improve their dismal 17-17 record.
Unfortunately, their season-long injury woes continue. Forward Rui Hachimura will not play due to a left calf strain he sustained on Sunday. In addition, guard D’Angelo Russell is doubtful because of a tailbone contusion he suffered on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers injury report for Wednesday vs. MIA. D’Angelo Russell remains doubtful with a bruised tailbone from that spill in Minnesota. And Rui Hachimura is out with the strained left calf. pic.twitter.com/kiUK4BsgSj
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 3, 2024
The Heat are 19-14 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are a team that, regardless of their record, should never be taken lightly, especially by a struggling and short-handed Lakers squad.