D'Angelo Russell has missed the Los Angeles Lakers' last five games due to an ankle injury. At this point, he's missed more games than he's played in since his NBA trade deadline move from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The good news for Lakers fans is that Russell is now on the mend, and there's now a chance that he'll be able to return on Tuesday against a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies side.

D'Angelo Russell injury status vs. Grizzlies

The Lakers have tagged Russell as questionable to play on Tuesday. There's still a very good chance that he ends up sitting out the game, but it is worth noting that this is the first time D'Angelo has been listed as questionable. In previous games, the one-time All-Star was listed as out prior to games. The questionable tag is a noteworthy upgrade, and even if he ultimately misses Tuesday's matchup, it is clear that he is now close to returning.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·

The Lakers obviously need D'Angelo Russell back as soon as possible. LeBron James is still out with a foot injury, and he won't be back anytime soon. Anthony Davis has been killing it amid LA's injury crisis, but there's no denying that AD could use all the help he can get. The return of Russell will definitely be a major development for the Lakers at this point in their season.

Right now, LA is currently tied with the Utah Jazz for the 10th seed in the West. A guaranteed spot in the playoffs is still up for grabs with the Lakers just 2.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.