Troy Brown Jr. expected a larger role with LeBron James sidelined, but even he was surprised by how much time he spent on the court on Sunday, writes Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times. Brown logged 41 minutes and 11 seconds, more than any other player, in the Lakers‘ win over the Warriors.
“To be honest, I didn’t know I had played that many minutes,” Brown said. “I had no idea. Obviously with the rotations, I thought I was coming out and then going back in, but I wasn’t looking at stat sheets. It’s a blessing, honestly, just to get that opportunity, especially right now playing with time and with us playing for something and being able to be out there with those guys and make big plays. I’m grateful for it.”
James’ foot tendon injury resulted in Brown returning to the starting lineup after being moved to the bench when the Lakers shook up their roster at the trade deadline. Brown, who signed with L.A. as a free agent last summer, is willing to accept either role.
“It’s not really taking anything personal, trying to be professional and just know that they have a plan and the coaching staff has a plan and they are trying to put together their stuff,” he said. “So, for me, I just try to come out every night and do what I can do and make sure I’m locked in and give the team what I need on my end.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Dennis Schröder is playing with pain after injuring his left ankle in Wednesday’s game at Oklahoma City, Turner adds. The Lakers are missing their other primary ball-handlers because James is out and D’Angelo Russell hasn’t returned from a right ankle sprain. “Yeah, I got a lot of treatment on my ankle. I feel good now,” Schröder said Sunday. “Last game was a little … was still thinking about it a little bit. But right now, I think I feel in a good place.”
- Russell is “trending in the right direction,” coach Darvin Ham said (video link from Spectrum SportsNet). Russell, who has missed the past five games, is going through a series of steps that will lead to his return, Ham adds.
- James has started rehab work, but it’s still too early to predict when he’ll be able to play again, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
TNT: Chuck and Smith said Clippers are contenders.
Many reporters said Lakers are contenders.
Lakers defeat the defending champion
The contenders mean title contenders or play-in contenders?
Lakers will be lucky to make the playin. They are far from title contenders
I still think this is load management for LeBron and an ultimatum for AD. AD knows if he screws up LeBron can send him anywhere he wants, and probably not somewhere Anthony wants. So pay or play…
Risking the playoffs period for an ultimatum? That’s comical.
Last time lebron was out AD went nuts. Nothing to prove.
Lebron needs to rest before the playoffs. He says AD I need you to get it done…or else. That’s how the conversation went