Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura out vs. Grizzlies
The Lakers will be short two starters against the Grizzlies, with Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura ruled out.
Wrapping up their first road trip of the season, the Lakers will face a tough test against the Grizzlies, with two key starters out.
The organization has ruled Anthony Davis out with a left heel contusion and Rui Hachimura will also miss the game due to illness.
JJ Redick says both Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura are both out tonight.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 6, 2024
Davis appeared to aggravate his ankle in the team’s previous matchup against the Pistons. The injury is something AD has apparently been dealing with since the summer.
Hachimura was first reported as doubtful to play against Memphis, was upgraded to questionable, but is now officially ruled out.
While Hachimura has been good, AD is having an MVP-caliber start to the season. He is averaging an NBA-high 32.6 points per game and is leading the team in minutes, points, rebounds, steals and blocks.
This is the first absence by both players this year and it will dramatically reduce Lakers coach JJ Redick’s bench options.
Missing two starters will be tough to overcome on this roster. The Lakers starters are averaging an NBA-high 97.3 points per game, while the bench is currently in last place in scoring at 18.9 points per contest.
Some good news is that with Christian Koloko being medically cleared, Los Angeles can and will place him into the rotation against the Grizzlies.
Earlier reporting had Koloko ramping up as a member of the South Bay Lakers before playing with the senior team, but with AD out, things are being adjusted and he will get some run.
JJ Redick says he will play center Christian Koloko in the Lakers’ rotation tonight
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 6, 2024
Here's some more positive news on the injury front: Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell have been upgraded from probable to available.
Reaves is dealing with a right ankle sprain he suffered in Detroit and Russell’s right foot contusion has placed him on the injury report for the last two games, but he hasn’t missed any action.
L.A. is aiming to end this road trip with a victory. They’ve lost three of the first four games so far and this matchup versus Memphis is the final game before they head back to Los Angeles and play the Philadelphia 76ers.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.