All-Star forward Kevin Durant will not play against the Lakers (8-17) on Friday night at Staples Center.
Durant suffered a mild right ankle sprain on Thursday night, as the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-14) fell to the Golden State Warriors (22-3), 114-109.
The Lakers perhaps catch a break, hosting the Thunder without the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player. Durant is averaging 22.4 points this season, sitting out 17 games after a foot injury.
After winning three straight, the Lakers were bombarded by the Pacers (8-18) in Indiana on Monday. The Lakers took Tuesday off, but have had plenty of time to prepare for the visiting Thunder.
Of course, the Lakers will still have to deal with Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson and a talented Thunder roster.
The Lakers are currently in 13th place in the Western Conference, 3 1/2 games behind the 10th-place Thunder. The New Orleans Pelicans (13-12) are currently in eighth place in the West, followed by the Phoenix Suns (13-14).
Perry Jones may start in place of Durant, although Coach Scott Brooks has yet to make that official.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus
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