LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers’ three-game winning streak ended Monday after a 117-114 home loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers have had some injury concerns this season and before the game, head coach JJ Redick announced the latest injury news for Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood. After the game, Redick was once again the bearer of worrisome injury news regarding D’Angelo Russell.

Russell left the Lakers’ loss to the Pistons late in the fourth quarter, went to the locker room and did not return.

After the Lakers’ loss, JJ Redick was asked what happened to D’Angelo Russell and if it was an injury of some sort. Redick replied that he would have either his thumb or his hand examined.

The Lakers have a day off before traveling north to face the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. An update on Russell’s status will likely come the day before.

D’Angelo Russell’s role for the Lakers this season

In the starting lineup at the start of the 2024–25 season, Russell moved to the bench after the eighth game of the season. He had two of his best games of the season during the Lakers’ mini road trip against the Sacramento Kings, two games that resulted in wins.

On December 18, Russell dropped 16 points and six rebounds while shooting 46.7 percent from the field in just over 22 minutes. He followed that up on Dec. 21 with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from the three-point line.

Russell has only missed one game this season, playing just over 26 minutes per game. He averaged 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 41.9 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from the three-point line and 84.3 percent from the free throw line.

Russell chose to opt out of his contract and return to the Lakers last offseason rather than undergo unrestricted free agency. This is the final year of his contract and he will become a free agent at the end of the season. Since returning to the franchise that selected him, his name has appeared in several trade rumors since he was selected No. 2 overall.

Russell played two seasons with the Lakers before they traded him to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the draft pick that eventually became Kyle Kuzma. He also had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.

Russell’s leadership was crucial for the Lakers, especially the young players. He attributes this to learning from some of the great players he has played with, such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry.