The Los Angeles Lakers’ grueling road trip begins against the 15-5 Milwaukee Bucks, led by All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps the best player in the NBA right now, tomorrow night in Milwaukee.
However, for the Lakers, the Greek Freak will receive more support before the game on Friday.
Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star swingman who suffered a left wrist injury during the first round of the 2022 E.C. playoffs and has yet to play this year after undergoing surgery in July, is reportedly aiming for a return against the Lakers, according to the source.
The 6’7″ small forward, guard Jrue Holiday, and superstar two-way player Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to a title last season.
As the Bucks’ second option on offense and one of their two best perimeter defenders, Middleton averaged 20.1 points on.443/.373/.890 shooting splits while contributing 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals a game in 2021–22.
Tomorrow’s 8-12 Lakers could also be without some important role players. Lonnie Walker IV and Troy Brown Jr., starting wings for Los Angeles, were absent last night during a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. L.A. was not stopped. Despite thrashing Portland (without ace Damian Lillard), 128-109, the Lakers could use all the scoring assistance they can get against the Bucks because they are a higher-caliber team.
According to a source, Walker’s left foot pain from Wednesday keeps him out of the lineup for tomorrow night. That is a significant setback for Los Angeles. Possibly, since the 6’4″ shooting guard is the third-leading scorer for the team, trailing superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Thankfully, Brown’s status has now been changed to probable for tomorrow, but reserve guard Dennis Schröder is currently listed as questionable.
According to Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register, Schröder and his wife will soon welcome their third child, which might prevent him from playing against the Bucks. Head coach Darvin Ham might rely more on backup combo guard Kendrick Nunn if Schröder is out.