Mike Bresnahan from Spectrum SportsNet reports Luke Walton expects rookie Lonzo Ball to play tonight:

Luke Walton on Lonzo Ball: “He went through shoot-around, says he feels good. If he stays on schedule, he should play tonight.”

Ball, the 2nd overall pick out of UCLA, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the past 7 games. He last played on December 23 and was shortly after ruled out for the Lakers' Christmas game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his 7-game absence, the Lakers have not won a single game and their average point differential is -14.7.

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Luke Walton has given the keys to the Lakers offense to Ball and the whole organization is committed long-term with the pass-first point guard. Ball is averaging 10 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists shooting a low 34.9% from the field. This season has been an absolute rollercoaster for the 19-year old. From summer league MVP to shooting below 30% from the field. From getting his father away from media to racking up triple-doubles.

The biggest benefactors from Ball's absence have been Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Ennis, and Josh Hart. All of them have been in the starting lineup at one point during this 7-game stretch and are getting way more minutes than usual thanks to the big void Lonzo left, as he has played 33.9 minutes a game in 31 appearances.

Jordan Clarkson is arguably a better player and should be in Lonzo's starting point guard spot. Clarkson appears to be in disagreement with management giving Ball so much playing time and attention because he believed he was an essential piece to the Lakers' young core lead by him, D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram before the end of last season. Russell was eventually traded and Clarkson was sent to the bench. Rumors suggest he will soon be traded for Ball to establish himself as the best point guard in the Lakers.