Nick Young (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young will be missing two to four weeks after suffering a strained calf muscle in his right leg, the team announced after Tuesday's 105-88 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
"After leaving Tuesday night's game against the Pelicans with what was initially called an Achilles injury, Lakers guard Nick Young has been diagnosed with a strained calf muscle in his right leg, the team announced today in a press release. According to the Lakers, Young is expected to be sidelined for approximately two to four weeks, putting him on track to potentially return in late December."
The news was a big relief for Young and Lakers in general after it was initially called an Achilles injury. Nevertheless, it's a big blow to the team as they will be missing the service of one of most consistent scorers.
Young is having a career revival this season, averaging 13.3 points on 45 percent field goal shooting in all 18 starts. His injury came after backcourt running mate and starting point guard D'Angelo Russell was ruled out for the next two weeks with knee injury.
With their starting backcourt on injury list, the Lakers will be depending heavily on Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams who are having excellent job backstopping the team's second unit this season.
Update: Brandon Ingram started in place for Young on the Lakers starting lineup on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Ingram logged in 41 minutes in this game, recording 9 points on 1-for-9 shooting from the field. On the defensive end, the Lakers rookie was outstanding, limiting Jimmy Butler to 22 points on 4-for-18 shooting.
The Lakers wrapped up their season series with the Bulls at 1-1 and improved to .500 at 10-10 record. Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson each scored 18 points coming off the bench.
