The Lakers’ backcourt has taken another hit, with the team announcing today in a press release that Jose Calderon is expected to be sidelined for the next two to four weeks. According to the Lakers, Calderon underwent an MRI after leaving Saturday’s game against Memphis with a leg injury, and has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain.
Calderon, who was traded from the Knicks to the Bulls to the Lakers during the offseason, has started nine games so far for his new team, but is averaging a career-low 13.9 MPG in 14 total contests so far. While the veteran point guard has been as efficient a scorer as ever, with a .481/.417/1.000 shooting line, he is averaging just 4.7 PPG and 2.6 APG, both career lows.
The Lakers had already been dealing with injuries to D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young, so Calderon’s absence will further deplete the team’s backcourt. Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams will continue to get plenty of playing time, though it may be Marcelo Huertas that moves into the starting lineup if Luke Walton prefers to have Clarkson and Williams come off the bench.
With Russell expected to return sometime soon, barring any setbacks, the Lakers shouldn’t need to make a roster move to add a guard.