Los Angeles Lakers: Injury Bug Biting Early

As the week winds down, the Los Angeles Lakers are almost ready to begin the 2014-15 season. Next week marks their first preseason action, including the anticipated return of Kobe Bryant. After only six games of action last season, Bryant starts his 19th year alongside Steve Nash. Both players appear to be healthy, and working themselves into competitive form.

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The injury bug has already found its way through the Los Angeles Lakers training camp, and it’s affecting three Lakers returning from last year’s team. Reserves

,

, and last year’s leading scorer,

, may miss some of the early parts of the season. With a little more than three weeks before the first official game, the Lakers are holding their breath, and hoping this isn’t the start of another rash of injuries similar to last season.

Xavier Henry is the first Laker to miss out on Byron Scott’s two-a-day practices. Henry is still recovering from surgery on his knee and left wrist. He was cleared for participation in this week’s activities, but back spasms have sidelined him until further notice. Henry returns to Los Angeles on a one-year deal, looking to improve on last season’s averages of 10 points per game in 21.1 minutes. His ability to break defenders down off the trouble and get to the hoop will be much-needed when he gets healthy. The Lakers will play the waiting game for now.

Ryan Kelly was a surprise last season for the Lakers. He was able to play big minutes as a rookie, and posted some pleasant numbers. Kelly posted eight points and three rebounds per game. A hamstring injury has kept him out of camp thus far, and it could be weeks before he sees action again. The Lakers will definitely miss Kelly’s intangibles and ability to step outside as a power forward.

Today, Nick Young was forced out of action for what looks like a sprained thumb. Young suffered the injury while guarding Kobe Bryant. It was reported today, but the injury occurred in yesterday’s practice according to LakersNation writer Serena Winters:

His 17.8 points per game from last year were sure to ignite the Lakers bench this season. More importantly, the Lakers need Young to help conserve Bryant during this season’s long stretches. Much of the offensive load will be his responsibility. With Young and Henry both recovering, the Lakers will have to utilize the depth they compiled this summer. Rookie Jordan Clarkson may surely crack the rotation early this season with the news regarding injuries. Another player that comes to mind is swingman Wayne Ellington.

If Young and Henry are unable to take their respective places in the Laker backcourt, Ellington has a chance to come in and produce. Last year’s stint with the Dallas Mavericks included minutes per game, mostly backing up Monta Ellis.

Ellington only averaged a little over eight minutes per game last year, but he did shoot 42.4 percent from 3-point range. His ability to spread the floor can be valuable to the Lakers, as creators like Kobe Bryant can operate. Shooting keeps the defense honest, and this is certainly a skill that Ellington possesses.

Despite the injuries that have been suffered, opportunities continue to open up for other players. Aside from Ellington, the next player that could benefit if players miss time is Ronnie Price. As discussed this week, he has impressed the Lakers’ brass in training camp. Similar to Ellington, he is on a non-guaranteed contract. A few games of production could change both of their fortunes.

As for Ryan Kelly’s production being replicated, now is the time for Julius Randle to step up as an NBA power forward. With Carlos Boozer likely starting, Randle can provide athleticism and physicality to the Lakers bench. With his game being opposite of Kelly’s, it still provides the Lakers a formidable weapon.

Time will tell for the shift in rotations for Los Angeles. Luckily the injuries are occurring earlier in the year, allowing some adequate time to heal. Once everyone is back, the roster will begin a run back to prominence that will hopefully include few of these roadblocks.