The Lakers’ big man has been dealing with lower back tightness and the German guard’s finger injury could create more playing time for Westbrook
The Lakers’ preseason finale might raise more questions than it answers in the wake of a few key absences and adjustments.
Neither Anthony Davis nor Dennis Schröder traveled to Sacramento for Friday night’s tilt with the Kings, the team confirmed, taking both out of the starting lineup mix. Davis’ absence from the trip is precautionary: The big man has dealt with lower back tightness throughout training camp. Multiple Lakers officials have cited Davis’ health as key to the season: He’s played in just 76 of 154 possible regular-season games in the past two years.
A team official said Schröder was still being evaluated as of midday Friday for a finger injury suffered Wednesday in his preseason debut against Minnesota. ESPN reported the German guard would “likely” miss some time in the regular season.
Schröder’s absence, however, may serve to improve Westbrook’s chances to play a significant early role. The Lakers have experimented extensively with small lineups, and Ham suggested that it’s an appealing group, even though they struggled Wednesday against Minnesota.
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