The Lakers avoided what could have been a very scary end to practice yesterday as a couple guys hit the deck hard, causing Phil Jackson to whistle an end to practice.
As noted in yesterday’s practice reports, Ronny Turiaf collided with Javaris Crittenton, resulting in both laying on the floor for longer than anyone was comfortable with. Then just minutes later Luke Walton went down as he was backpedaling on defense.
Ronny and Javaris didn’t seem to be suffering any ill effects after practice, with Ronny saying he’s ready to go for Sunday. Walton was still limping slightly after practice and got hit ankle taped by the team’s training staff. His status for Sunday is unknown.
Kobe avoided the ruckus by not practicing during Friday’s session. His shoulder is still sore from the fall he took Wednesday at Denver, but expects to play on Sunday. Overall he’s just feeling lucky that he didn’t get hurt any worse than he did.
The Lakers return to the practice floor Saturday afternoon in preparation for Sunday’s game with the scorching hot Golden State Warriors.
