The Lakers have had their fair share of injury misfortune in recent seasons, but it’s never hit as fast, or perhaps as quickly, as it did this season.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino have been out since midway through the preseason, so their absences on Wednesday were nothing unexpected. But after being full strength on Sunday vs. the Kings, the hits came over the ensuing days and, by tip-off on Wednesday, the Lakers were down to eight rotation players.
Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent were both ruled out before the game. But it wasn’t until moments before tip-off that Taurean Prince joined them.