Is D'Angelo Russell playing tonight? Exploring the Lakers point guard’s availability vs Raptors | 2024-25 NBA season

The LA Lakers will play D'Angelo Russell for their game on Friday against the Toronto Raptors. Russell has been dealing with back spasms over the past few days and was earlier listed as probable for the matchup versus the Raptors.

“D-Lo” had the same status for Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers’ starting point guard, though, was cleared to play a few hours before tip-off. He played 24 minutes and finished with 10 points, five assists and three rebounds in his team’s 134-110 loss to the Cavaliers.

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The Lakers might hold out D'Angelo Russell against the injury-plagued Raptors

The LA Lakers are heavily favored to beat the injury-ravaged Raptors. Toronto won't have Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Bruce Brown (surgical procedure) and Kelly Olynyk (lumbar strain). Immanuel Quickley has been ruled doubtful due to a right pelvic contusion, while Ja'Kobe Walter is questionable because of a right shoulder sprain.

Without several key Raptors players, the Lakers have more than enough depth at point guard to hold out D'Angelo Russell. LeBron James and Austin Reaves can handle playmaking duties. Gabe Vincent will also get his fair share of running the offense if “D-Lo” isn’t cleared to play.

If Russell is unavailable on Friday, his next opportunity to play will be on Monday when the Lakers travel to Detroit to face the Pistons.

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How has D'Angelo Russell fared early in the season?

Russell has struggled shooting the ball to start the season. He's averaging 10.8 points per game but shooting just 36.7%, including 25.0% from deep.

After going 3-0 at Crypto.com Arena, the point guard has lost his stroke while on the road. In back-to-back losses to the Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers, he shot 33.6% and made a ghastly 11.1% of his 3s.

The back spasms may have something to do with his struggles, as his accuracy dropped once the issue came up. LA’s training staff will likely be extra cautious and monitor him before giving him the green light to play.