Lakers will be without at least three rotation players versus the Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers, coming off a thrilling overtime win on Wednesday over the Los Angeles Clippers, will start a four-game road trip on Saturday.
That trip begins with a contest against the Orlando Magic, a team they defeated on Monday, albeit in ugly fashion.
Los Angeles hasn’t been at full strength yet this season, as forward and defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt has been out due to left heel bursitis. In addition, Rui Hachimura has been out for the last two games, while Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince missed Wednesday’s game.
Vanderbilt, Hachimura and Vincent will all be out on Saturday, and Prince is listed as questionable.
Injury update for tomorrow; Taurean Prince is the only one on it with a chance to play against Orlando: pic.twitter.com/TO8XSxzTIb
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 3, 2023
All these injuries have left the Lakers shorthanded at the wing position and in the backcourt. The fact that rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino has also been out lately with a right patella contusion has made that lack of depth even more painful.
Vincent is expected to miss at least two weeks of action, while Vanderbilt will be re-evaluated in about a week.