Is D’Angelo Russell playing tonight against the Warriors? Latest on Lakers guard’s availability for NBA Christmas Day clash (Dec. 25)

The LA Lakers could be without point guard D’Angelo Russell since he is listed as questionable for their marquee Christmas Day clash against the Golden State Warriors. Russell is nursing a sprained left thumb, making his status day-to-day in the next few games for the Lakers.

Russell picked up the injury in the Lakers’ loss against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. He exited the game in the fourth quarter and never returned as Gabe Vincent took over his point guard duties.

The Lakers’ injury report also has other big names such as Anthony Davis and LeBron James, listed as questionable. Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood and Jalen Hood-Schifino are listed out.

Russell averages 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season. His career-low scoring average caused him to lose his starting job to Vincent late in November.

The Christmas Day game will be the first of four meetings between the two California teams this season. The Lakers and Warriors almost have identical records ahead of the holiday clash, with the former having a 16-13 record, while the latter boasts a 15-13 slate.

Russell played 33 games for the Warriors in the 2019-2020 season. Back then, the franchise was in its rebuilding phase as Kevin Durant left the team in free agency, while Klay Thompson and Steph Curry sustained injuries.

Russell was drafted by the Lakers in 2015, before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets two years later. He was picked up again by LA in the 2022-2023 season.

D’Angelo Russell has been in trade rumors this season

D’Angelo Russell has been a constant name in trade rumors this season. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers could be shopping Russell, alongside other pieces for a potential trade for former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart or veteran center Jonas Valanciunas.

"I keep hearing about centers for them, we've talked plenty about the Lakers and the centers market taking shape with Jonas Valančiūnas continuing to be a name linked to there," Fischer said. "Marcus Smart is someone who in theory could fit into that D'Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino type of package," he said.

Meanwhile, in a report by HoopHype’s Michael Sotto, Russell is one of the frontrunners to be traded ahead of the trade deadline.

Russell is in the last year of his contract, making him a prime candidate for a trade to bolster the Lakers roster for a playoff push.