Lakers Injury Update: Luol Deng Doubtful For Denver Exhibition
Los Angeles forward Luol Deng listed as doubtful for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, according to Lakers.com
Following what was a quiet debut with the Purple and Gold, Luol Deng was listed as doubtful for Friday night’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets after bumping knees with Lakers’ forward Anthony Brown in practice earlier this week.
Deng likely won’t be sidelined for long, considering it is only a bruised knee, but the Lakers have to slide someone else into tonight’s starting lineup in his absence.
Brandon Ingram, who struggled in his first preseason game with the Lakers, will likely start in Deng’s place tonight, but Anthony Brown also made a strong case for himself Tuesday night against the Sacramento Kings.
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In 7 minutes, Brown shot 4-for-4 from the field —3-for-3 from behind the arc — and finished the game with 10 points. Seeing that he is likely to get more minutes in Deng’s absence, it will be interesting to see if he can make the most of his opportunity.
The Stanford sharpshooter had a hard time getting shots to fall last year and didn’t look too much better in Summer League. However, based on his first performance and the tales that the team’s commentators have been making about how hard he worked over summer, it appears that Brown could be turning the corner.
Rumors had the second year man on the bubble to make the roster, but if AB3 can capitalize on Tuesday’s performance, head coach Luke Walton might have to carve out a spot for him in his rotation.
Deng’s injury also opens up playing time for Nick “Uncle P” Young and Metta World Peace, who both didn’t see the floor Tuesday night against the Kings so make sure to keep an eye out for them as well.