Los Angeles Lakers rookie, Moe Wagner, suffered tournament-ending injury. Los Angeles will have to adapt as they continue playing at NBA Summer League.
NBA Summer League has wrapped up open play, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers ranked second overall and holding the most team points at 10.5. They hold a record of 3-0 after taking down the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks. Unfortunately, they lost rookie Moritz Wagner in the process.
On Tuesday, July 10, against the Knicks, Wagner had to leave the game for a potential left knee and ankle sprain. Paternally, Magic Johnson joined him in the locker room with the trainer.
Moe Wagner has a left ankle sprain and left knee strain, but Simon said Moe was in good spirits and will be reevaluated tomorrow
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 11, 2018
The hope was that his injury would be temporary. He is the starting center for the Lakers during Summer League. Over the first three games in Las Vegas, Wagner averaged 10.3 points and 8 rebounds per game.
On Wednesday, July 11, the NBA released a statement declaring Wagner has suffered a knee contusion. Per the official statement:
"Lakers center Moritz Wagner, who was injured in the second quarter of Tuesday night’s summer league game against the New York Knicks, underwent an MRI on Wednesday.Results of the MRI confirmed a left knee contusion. Wagner will miss the remainder of summer league."
Fortunately, with the Lakers‘ winning record, they were awarded a bye for the first round of bracket play. Their next game is Thursday, July 12, against hometown rivals the Los Angeles Clippers (17).
Coming off the bench to replace Wagner will be G-League veteran, Jeff Ayers. So far, Ayers hasn’t missed a beat. Filling in during the Knicks game, post-Wagner injury, Ayers scored 17 points. Not only did he do that, he was 7-7 from the floor and 3-3 at the line. This is a big opportunity for Ayers, who is looking to get a training camp invite and hopefully land on an NBA roster this fall.
The Lakers could also give a shot to San Diego State standout, Malik Pope. Pope has been on the bench most of the summer thus far but could get a shot now.
Next: 5 Lakers To Watch During Summer League Play
While Wagner has been a key component for the Lakers thus far in Summer League, Los Angeles has nothing to worry about heading into round two of the tournament. Tip-off is set for 5:30 pm PST on ESPN2. They will be facing off with the Los Angeles Clippers.