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LA Lakers star Russell Westbrook missed the team's last game against the Denver Nuggets because of a hamstring strain. The injury limited him to five minutes of play during the Lakers' final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook was listed as doubtful until the game. He eventually got sidelined and missed his first game of the season. As per the NBA's latest official injury report, Westbrook's status for Friday's (October 29th) game against the Minnesota Timberwolves is questionable.
The report states that Russell Westbrook has a sore hamstring in his left leg. Westbrook cited his start off the bench during the Lakers' preseason finale as the cause behind his hamstring injury. He said he was unaware of the pre-game routine that led to his injury.
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"I've been doing the same thing for 14 years straight," Westbrook said following the Lakers' 123-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors in their regular-season opener Tuesday night (via ESPN). "Honestly, I didn't even know what to do pregame. Being honest, I was trying to figure out how to stay warm and loose... That's something I just wasn't accustomed to."
Westbrook was back in the starting lineup to start the regular season. Through three games, he has averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Westbrook has struggled offensively, shooting a measly 28.9% from the field, including 8.3% from 3-point range.
Russell Westbrook could lose his starting spot with LA Lakers to Austin Reaves
Russell Westbrook could end up starting off the bench for the LA Lakers upon his return. Sophomore guard Austin Reaves started in his place last game and may get the nod ahead of Westbrook moving forward. Here's what The Athletic's Shams Charania reported regarding this:
"This is very much a move that the Lakers could continue depending on how tonight's game goes and depending on how they feel about the rotation."
The Lakers have recorded an 0-4 start to the season. Russell Westbrook hasn't been as successful in a starting role. He hasn't been able to play off the ball and has struggled the most on the roster with his shooting. The Lakers might be keen to make changes after a winless start to the year.
The LA Lakers have struggled as a team from the 3-point line. They are shooting a league-worse 22.3% from deep. Austin Reaves has been their best shooter from deep so far. He has converted 40% of his shots on 2.5 attempts per contest.
Reaves is also a better fit than Russell Westbrook alongside LeBron James. He can play off the ball and is a solid perimeter defender. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers are willing to make changes, as they haven't found success without Westbrook in the lineup.
The LA Lakers lost 110-99 against the Denver Nuggets in Russell Westbrook's absence. Their offense struggled again. The Lakers converted only 26.7% of their shots from deep and committed 14 turnovers.
