Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is all geared up to make his return to the team against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
“Took some time off, unfortunately, but ready to get back out there and contribute,” Russell said, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
Russell has missed the last six games for L.A. due to a sprained right ankle injury he sustained against the Golden State Warriors last Feb. 23. He was acquired by the Lakers last trade deadline. Amid his absence, the club still made a 4-2 record on the six-game stretch he missed.
With Russell going in, Darvin Ham will move back Dennis Schroder to the bench.
“Dennis will come off,” Ham said. “Again, like I say, I know starting is a big deal to a lot of people, but at the end of the day, finishing lineup is probably a little bit more important and Dennis will definitely be in the mix.”
Russell is averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 assists in his reunion games so far with the Lakers. He shoots 44.2 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three.
