When Luka Doncic sustained a left leg contusion and sat out your complete second half of a 103-88 loss to the Clippers on the Intuit Dome on Saturday night time, he turned the newest in a rising checklist of ailing Lakers gamers.
Doncic performed 19 minutes within the first half, however he didn’t return for the third quarter. He had 12 factors, 5 rebounds and two assists within the first half.
However Doncic had struggled together with his capturing, going 4 for 13 from the sector and one for six from three-point vary.
Doncic entered because the main scorer within the NBA, averaging 35.2 factors per sport, and was third in assists, averaging 9.1.
Rui Hachimura missed his first begin of the season due to a sore groin that’s anticipated to maintain him out three to 5 days. Austin Reaves (left calf) and Deandre Ayton (left elbow) and Gabe Vincent (decrease again tightness) are also out.
The Clippers additionally misplaced a key participant Saturday when middle Ivica Zubac sustained a left ankle harm within the first quarter.
The Clippers entered the sport tied for the worst file within the Western Convention (6-21). They’d misplaced 5 straight video games and 10 of their final 11.
They received it by constructing a 22-point lead over the Lakers, who lower their deficit to seven factors within the fourth quarter earlier than fading.
Lakers star Lebron James places up a shot over a number of Clippers defenders through the Clippers’ 103-88 win Saturday on the Intuit Dome.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Instances)
LeBron James led the Lakers with a season-high 36 factors. Jake LaRavia had 12 factors and 11 rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard had 32 factors and 12 rebounds for the Clippers and James Harden had 21 factors and 10 assists.
Earlier than the sport Lakers coach JJ Redick was requested how he’s coping with a depleted roster.
“Simply handle the sport and play with the proper spirit,” Redick stated.
Redick stated Hachimura sat out after he felt some hip ache towards Utah on Thursday night time. Reaves was “persevering with to push himself” to return quickly, Redick stated, and Ayton had some “swelling” in his elbow however had a “brisk, intense particular person exercise.”
Via all of it, Redick stated it’s potential Reaves and Ayton might return Tuesday towards the Phoenix Suns.
