:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71543307/1244182434.0.jpg)
Thursday update: Westbrook and Davis are questionable for Friday’s game against the Timberwolves with hamstring and back issues, while James remains probable with the foot injury.
Update: James and Davis are available for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets.
Update: As expected, Westbrook has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game. Austin Reaves is expected to get the start in Westbrook’s place.
The Los Angeles Lakers have listed Russell Westbrook as doubtful to play Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets with a hamstring injury. Westbrook has been playing through this injury early in the season but it looks like there was some aggravation between Sunday and Tuesday to list him as doubtful.
Lakers are listing Russell Westbrook (hamstring) as doubtful to play Wednesday vs. Nuggets.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 25, 2022
The Lakers have also listed LeBron James and Anthony Davis as probable. Both are expected to play. James is dealing with a foot injury while Davis has a back issue.
If Westbrook does eventually sit out, Patrick Beverley likely takes over as the lead point guard with either Lonnie Walker or Austin Reaves coming into the starting lineup. Beverley has been playing with Westbrook in the starting lineup so far, and the results haven’t been great.
This could be a case of addition by subtraction for the Lakers, who have not been able to make Westbrook work in the fabric of the team so far. We’ll see how they do without him Wednesday night.