The Lakers have played just one preseason game this year, but have already been faced with a myriad of injuries. The most notable setback was that of Nick Young, who will be out of action for eight weeks. However, role players Ryan Kelly and Xavier Henry are close to being able to practice with the team once again.
Xavier Henry did some on-court work today, but the team didn’t do a ton of physical work. He’s not ready to return for game action.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 8, 2014
The Lakers are hopeful that Ryan Kelly can practice on Friday. He’s been dealing with a moderate strain of the left hamstring.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 8, 2014
Henry is coming back from an assortment of injuries that ended his season prematurely last year. The most recent, back spasms, came about during training camp and sidelined Henry for an extra week.
With the Lakers low on small forwards, though, Henry will be needed as soon as he’s able to play in games.
Similar to Henry, Kelly sustained his injury in training camp, straining his hamstring and being forced to see out for the majority of camp and practice. With minutes a premium for big men on the roster, Kelly needs to get back to action immediately for his own sake of cracking into the rotation and earning minutes.
With the Lakers nearing full strength, this also likely means another injury is pending giving the Lakers run of form the last two seasons, but maybe I’m just being pessimistic.