The Los Angeles Lakers have been mired in a difficult stretch since Christmas, as Friday’s loss dropped them to 3-6 without LeBron James and Rajon Rondo. James is progressing well in his recovery from a strained groin, but when he’ll return remains unclear.
Meanwhile, Rondo is at least two weeks from possibly getting back on the court himself. The team’s depth received a boost last week when Michael Beasley re-joined the team after taking time away to be with his ailing mother who passed away in December.
Beasley has provided a spark off the bench, including against the Utah Jazz, when he had 17 points in 18 minutes.