Because the Los Angeles Lakers are combating to at the very least maintain on to the final play-in spot within the Western Convention, they have to go to warfare whereas considerably underpowered.
Guard Gabe Vincent and ahead Jarred Vanderbilt, arguably their two greatest perimeter defenders, have been out for a number of weeks with knee illnesses and foot sprains. Whereas each have made progress and are doing a little cautious, conservative work, neither appears significantly near a comeback.
It's additionally simple to overlook that midfielder Christian Wooden can be sidelined together with his personal knee ailment. He hasn't performed since February 14 and can reportedly have a process that may sideline him for the subsequent few weeks.
Given the workforce's state of affairs, this might very effectively imply his season is over.
Through ESPN:
“Lakers ahead Christian Wooden will bear arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee and is predicted to be out for a number of weeks,” a supply informed ESPN on Monday, Dave McMenamin wrote.
Whereas Wooden, who has established himself as a really succesful shooter in earlier seasons, has been a disappointment in LA, he has proven the flexibility to assist the workforce together with his rebounding.
With out him, its nice depth was severely depleted. His solely backup middle proper now’s Jaxson Hayes, who’s an lively participant however lacks defensive chops and no actual offensive capacity.
This story initially appeared on LeBron Wire