Over the last day the status report changed in name only: Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Miller all remain out. That leaves the Clippers to face JJ Redick's Lakers tonight with the same rotation that beat Sacramento 121-96.
Nothing moved on the absences, and that is the news.
Beal (right knee), Ingram (right heel) and Miller (left shoulder) were all listed out again on October 23. Ingram, Beal, Max Strus and Yanic Konan Niederhauser share an estimated return of November 8, and Miller's is March 2, 2027. The climb to second in the West at 1-0 means little after one game.
The Lakers bring a heavier resume and a few holes of their own.
The Clippers come in after six days off and the Lakers after four. Redick's team went 53-29 last season, with Luka Doncic averaging 33.5 points and Austin Reaves 23.3. Adou Thiero (left knee) and Cameron Carr (right oblique) are out, and Jake LaRavia's right ankle has him on a daily watch. Between this game and the rematch at home on October 28, the Clippers play at Oklahoma City on October 25.
A 38-year-old center is carrying more of the load than planned.
Brook Lopez played 27 minutes against the Kings, with 17 points, 11 rebounds and a +18 that tied for the team's best. Last season he averaged 21.8 minutes. With Konan Niederhauser not expected back until November 8, Isaiah Jackson, who shot 6-8 in 15 minutes, is the other big man Lue used heavily. Against a Lakers frontcourt that includes Walker Kessler, the question is how long Lue can keep leaning on Lopez.
The open question is whether this wing rotation can hold up against Doncic.
With Ingram, Beal and Strus sidelined, the scoring falls to Darius Garland, who had 30 on 11-19 shooting, and Keaton Wagler, a 19-year-old rookie who added 15 points and 5 assists. Rui Hachimura went 3-13. The issue is whether Lue can get by with this group until November 8. A front office with $188.9M committed and no first-rounders of its own in 2029 or 2030 has little to trade for help.
When will Brandon Ingram return for the Clippers?
Ingram is out with a right heel issue and has an estimated return of November 8. He has been back working on the court since October 15.
When do the Clippers play the Lakers?
The Clippers play at the Lakers tonight, October 23. The teams meet again on October 28, with the Clippers at home.
