NBA: Lakers’ Russell Westbrook doubtful vs Denver with hamstring injury
FILE PHOTO: Oct 5, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is doubtful to play against the host Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night with a hamstring injury.
Westbrook suffered the injury in an Oct. 14 preseason game when the Lakers used the veteran in a bench role. He said that entering the game as a reserve definitely had a negative effect on his hamstring.
“I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years straight,” Westbrook said. “Honestly, I didn’t even know what to do pregame. Being honest, I was trying to figure out how to stay warm and loose.”
Westbrook attended Tuesday’s practice but did not participate. He traveled with the team to Denver.
Westbrook has started each of the Lakers’ first three games and is averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Westbrook shot 28.9 percent through those three games, all Lakers losses.
Los Angeles could turn to Austin Reaves, Troy Brown Jr. or Juan Toscano-Anderson as a replacement for Westbrook in the starting lineup.
