Locked on Lakers   /     Anthony Davis Will Play Wednesday, But Christian Wood Is Out Another Month (at Least)

Summary

The Lakers got some good injury news on Tuesday. Anthony Davis, poked in the eye during Sunday's win over Toronto, is fine (or fine enough) and will play. Without goggles, because he just hates them, apparently. But he'll play. Meanwhile, the news wasn't so good for Christian Wood. The team's most offensively talented reserve big man has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation following (another) knee surgery, and will essentially be shut down for a month. Realistically, this means the earliest he might return to play would be mid- to late-December. It's very possible if Wood returns it's after the first of the year. Needless to say, combined with news that Jarred Vanderbilt seemingly isn't any closer to returning than he has been over the last few weeks, the Lakers aren't getting any help anytime soon. And it raises all of the same questions about the team's training and medical staff. Did they do anything wrong in regards to Wood? Nothing indicates that at this point. The body is complex, and recovery can be difficult, especially when the bar to clear is "can play NBA basketball." But at the same time, it's easy to believe the Lakers have a recurring problem with their medical staff and keeping people on the court, if for no other reason than their own actions seem to confirm it with consistent turnover in those departments. At the least, they have a communication problem. While most teams now don't like to give much information about injuries—and there are a lot of good reasons for that—the Lakers seem particularly challenged when it comes to communicating in ways that craft expectations, and then help keep them in check. Frankly, a little more "we don't know" would be good. Guys are hurt, recovery is slow. "We don't know when a player will be back. He's doing everything he can, but we have a to be careful." Something like that. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura's performance has been all over the map. And D'Angelo Russell? Don't assume he's being traded just because he's on the bench, now. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get AD back for Wednesday, but lose Christian Wood for a while more. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have a problem with their training and medical staff? SEGMENT 3: What's up with Rui? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba. See Mint Mobile for details. RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)