D'Angelo Russell's promising start on hold after PRP injection on left knee
Russell will miss a 'minimum of two weeks' after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection on left kneee
The Los Angeles Lakers were planning on being without D'Angelo Russell in a rematch against the Warriors but now it looks like the talented young guard will be out for an even longer period of time.
Hoping to alleviate the pain in his left knee, Russell had a platelet-rich plasma injection on Wednesday and will now according to the Lakers be out for at a minimum of two weeks. Russell will re-evaluated in one week and the Lakers will provide an update at that time. However, Lakers analyst Mike Bresnahan reports that Russell could be out for possibly three weeks.
BREAKING: Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell will miss 2-3 weeks after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for sore left knee.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 23, 2016
Things to know about Russell's injury
Who will fill in for Russell?
Averaging 16.1 points, Russell is the Lakers' second-leading scorer, so his absence leaves a hole in their lineup. The good news for the Lakers, though, is that have plenty of depth in the backcourt.
Jose Calderon, Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson will likely fill in and play larger roles with Russell out for an extended period of time. Calderon started for Russell against the Thunder on Tuesday and likely will remain in the starting lineup, especially since he played well against Oklahoma City -- 12 points, six rebounds and four assists in just under 23 minutes of action.
Nick Young and Williams might see an increased role on offense. Young was sensational (for Nick Young reasons) against the Thunder and Williams is the Lakers' leading scorer, a role he will likely hold on to with Russell out.
Is there reason to be concerned with Russell's injury?
Knee injuries are never anything to mess with. But Russell isn't having surgery, so this isn't that serious.
The Lakers are simply being cautious with Russell. That's why he didn't play against the Thunder and was being held out against the Warriors. Russell is the Lakers' young star and a franchise building block, so it is best that they be as cautious as they can with him and not rush him back.
A look at the Lakers' upcoming schedule
Even having Russell might not have made much of a difference for the Lakers against some of the teams they will soon be facing.
The Lakers will play the Warriors twice, which was already going to be a tough matchup. They then have a winnable game against the Pelicans, before going on a stretch against playoff teams like the Bulls, Raptors, Grizzlies, Jazz and Rockets. The Lakers then have a bit of an easier spate of games starting on Dec. 9 against the Suns, but that could also be around the time when Russell will possibly return.
Again, not having Russell, who has been thriving under new coach Luke Walton, puts the Lakers at a disadvantage. The Lakers, though, do have the depth to at least weather his absence for the short period of time he will be out.
















