Los Angeles Lakers optimist Andre Drummond (toe) will return soon, sources say

There is optimism within the Los Angeles Lakers organization that newly acquired center Andre Drummond won’t miss more than a game or two with the big toe injury he has. suffered in his debut for the team, sources told ESPN.

Drummond, considered by many to be the gem of the NBA buyout market, was forced out of the Lakers’ 112-97 loss to Milwaukee early Wednesday after Bucks center Brook Lopez inadvertently stepped on his right foot, causing the nail on Drummond’s big toe. fall.

The nine-year veteran was officially diagnosed with a bruised toe, and x-rays taken in the arena were negative, according to the team.

The Lakers will play on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, then return to Staples Center for another “Battle for LA” showdown against the Clippers on Sunday (12:30 p.m. ET, ABC), before heading into a five-game coastline game. Is. trip.

It’s a crucial step for the defending champions, losing five of their last seven games since LeBron James came out with a sprained ankle. Anthony Davis also missed Los Angeles’ last 20 games as he recovered from calf strain and tendinosis in his right leg.

The Lakers (30-18) are currently No.4 in the Western Conference, but are only half a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers, both of whom are 29-18. . Los Angeles is four games ahead of the No.7 Dallas Mavericks with 24 regular season games remaining. Teams ranked # 7-10 in both conferences will have a play-in tournament in May to determine the final two playoff spots.

“It’s such a shame that this happened to me in the first game,” Drummond said Wednesday. “It was a little deflating for me, but I have my head held high. I’m going to take it day in and day out and come back better than ever.”