Collin Sexton was left off the Lakers’ injury report for Friday’s game against the Clippers, which clears the guard to play. Jake LaRavia is listed as questionable because of a right ankle sprain, according to the NBA’s official injury report released Thursday evening. The game is Friday, Oct. 23, at Crypto.com Arena, and both teams enter at 1-0 after opening-night wins.
Sexton missed all five preseason games and Wednesday’s season opener against Golden State because of a right soleus strain. In the team’s first injury report, he was listed as questionable with a calf strain before being scratched hours before the game.
Redick afterward explained that holding Sexton out against Golden State was precautionary rather than the result of a setback. Friday is set to be his first game as a Laker.
LaRavia was hurt with 5:34 remaining and the Lakers leading 116-83. He appeared to roll his right ankle while moving across the floor, needed assistance leaving the court and did not return.
Before he left, he had 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting, including two 3-pointers, with two rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. After the 127-105 win over the Warriors, JJ Redick said there was no update yet, adding, “I’m probably more positive than when it first happened, but again, he’ll be evaluated.”
Two other players remain out. Rookie Cameron Carr is sidelined with a right oblique strain, and second-year forward Adou Thiero is out with a left knee effusion.
Redick said earlier that Thiero would be shut down briefly. There has not been a notable update on Carr.
The Lakers Get a Guard Back While Their Forward Depth Thins
Sexton’s return adds a ball-handler, but the open questions on the injury report are now at forward. With Thiero out and LaRavia uncertain, the Lakers could be without two of their forwards on Friday, and Sexton does not fill that spot.
If LaRavia sits, his minutes would most likely go to Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, which means smaller lineups. That would come against a Clippers team that is also 1-0. For now, the guard rotation is in better shape than the forward rotation.
LaRavia’s Status Will Be Decided Before Tipoff
LaRavia will be re-evaluated ahead of tipoff on Friday, and ESPN lists him as a game-time decision. The reporting does not give a return timeline for Carr or Thiero.
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