Mo Bamba could be close to returning for the Lakers

The injury bug continues to affect the Los Angeles Lakers, although it has weakened a bit in recent weeks.

Ever since LeBron James returned after being out for a month with a right foot tendon injury, Anthony Davis averted disaster after appearing to sprain his ankle against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, only to continue playing while looking healthy.

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D’Angelo Russell missed the second half of Sunday’s contest against the Houston Rockets and all of Tuesday’s tilt versus the Utah Jazz, and his status for Wednesday’s game at the Los Angeles Clippers is up in the air.

About a month ago, backup center Mo Bamba went down with an ankle injury, but he could be nearing a return to game action. He was upgraded from out to doubtful ahead of Tuesday’s game, and Jovan Buha of The Athletic elaborated on his situation.

Without Bamba, L.A. has had to go small when Davis has been resting or unable to play, and it has made them vulnerable to dribble penetration and offensive rebounds.

Bamba will give the Lakers a legitimate shot-blocking presence, as well as a 3-point shooting threat opponents will have to account for.

The 7-footer has appeared in only seven games with them since they acquired him just before the trade deadline from the Orlando Magic.