The Los Angeles Lakers have nine games left in their regular season schedule, and all of them are big, since they are ninth in the Western Conference.
However, Friday night’s contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder is bigger than most of the rest of their remaining games. Los Angeles is tied with the Thunder 1-1 in the season series, and both teams have an identical 36-37 record.
Winning this game could mean the difference between the Lakers making the play-in tournament and missing it for the second year in a row.
Unfortunately, they will be without one of their best players, as point guard D’Angelo Russell will sit out because of right hip soreness.
Russell is out tonight.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 25, 2023
Dennis Schroder will replace Russell in the starting lineup alongside Austin Reaves, who will get his second straight start.
Dennis Schröder will start in Russell’s place, and Austin Reaves will remain in the starting lineup.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 25, 2023
Since coming to L.A. in February’s Russell Westbrook trade, Russell has been a breath of fresh air, especially for fans who were fed up with Westbrook’s flaws.
The former second overall pick is averaging 18.6 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 47.1% overall and 39.5% from 3-point range in 11 games as a member of the Lakers.
