Injuries have been a major impediment for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been relatively healthy and available for most of their games, they have had to deal with several of their other key players missing stretches of action.
Guard Gabe Vincent, who was supposed to give them a boost defensively, has played in just five games and underwent knee surgery several weeks ago. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt missed the first several weeks of the season with a heel ailment, and just when he was starting to play very well and get in top game shape, he suffered a foot injury that will keep him out for at least a few more weeks.
Meanwhile, L.A.’s big man depth has been depleted due to a swollen knee Christian Wood is dealing with. In addition, undrafted rookie big mCastleton, an undrafted rookie who is on a two-way contract, has played very little for the Lakers, but he has an interesting skill set. The team is likely hoping he could play a role for it off the bench in the seasons to comean Colin Castleton has a fractured right wrist that will sideline him for some time.