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The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled Russell Westbrook out Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers with a back injury. The point guard was a late add to the injury report but has had some back problems over the course of the season. It’ll be the first game Westbrook will miss this season.
LeBron and Dwight Howard are both active tonight.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 10, 2022
Russell Westbrook (low back tightness) is out. It’ll be his first missed game this season.
Westbrook has been in trade rumors all season long, and him being ruled out ahead of the trade deadline is suspicious to say the least. The Lakers have tried to navigate the awkward fit between Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis but injuries have not allowed the trio to get enough time on the court. Westbrook has also been benched in crunch time, leading to more rumors swirling.
Look for Austin Reaves and Malik Monk to get more run in the backcourt with Westbrook out Wednesday. We’ll see if the Lakers guard is moved ahead of the deadline or if this was actually a legitimate injury.