After beating the Boston Celtics on Sunday with 12 healthy players for the first time in weeks, the Lakers’ roster received yet another blow when it was announced that Ronnie Price will undergo surgery Wednesday morning to remove a bone spur from his right elbow.
"He's having elbow surgery tomorrow, so he'll be out for the year," head coach Byron Scott said at practice on Tuesday.
Price, who averaged 5.1 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 43 games for the Lakers, had just returned to L.A.’s rotation against Brooklyn Friday after sitting out the previous eight games due to coach’s decision.
Though he did not hit a shot, Price was instrumental in his final game of the year, collecting five assists and a career-high four steals in 18 minutes against Boston.
Said Scott: “The average fan who looked at the box score after the Boston game and (watched) my interview after the game saying that Ronnie changed the game — they probably looked at it and said, ‘Well, he didn’t even score. He was 0-for-3.’
“But (they) don’t understand his impact on causing turnovers and just being a physical presence out there at the point guard position. We’re gonna obviously miss that from him.”
The 31-year-old Price now joins Steve Nash, Julius Randle, Xavier Henry and Kobe Bryant on the list of Lakers who suffered season-ending injuries this season. Thus far, L.A. has missed a combined 193 games due to injury.
Young’s Status Uncertain
Nick Young did not participate in Tuesday’s practice due to a sore left knee. He is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
“He didn’t practice today because his knee was still swollen,” Scott said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. … I would have to see him in shootaround (for him to play).”
Robert Sacre (sore left foot) was able to participate in Tuesday’s practice, but is also questionable for Wednesday.
Possible Lineup Change
Scott teased the possibility of inserting Wesley Johnson into the starting lineup in place of Ryan Kelly for a better defensive matchup against Gordon Hayward, who scorched the Lakers for 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting on Jan. 16.
“The only lineup part I’m a little worried about is Gordon Hayward and Ryan having to guard him,” Scott said. “So if I make a change, it might be that. Or I might just play more (zone) than anything.”