OKC Thunder vs L.A. Lakers inactive: December 23rd, 2023
By Rylan Stiles
The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a red-hot start this season. With over 20 games under their belt, the OKC Thunder have turned in an impressive 18-8 record, which includes a beatdown of both L.A. teams already this season.
On the other hand, the L.A. Lakers have not found much recent success. Despite dominating the inaugural In Season Tournament, the Purple and Gold have only produced a 15-14 record. Lakers star Anthony Davis and LeBron James have made no bones about how to improve they view this contest against the Thunder.
Josh Giddey is tabbed as out against the Los Angeles Lakers, after leaving Thursday's battle with the Clippers early due to an ankle sprain.
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the L.A. Clippers on Thursday, which included keeping three former Thunder stars in check as James Harden, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook could not rally to extend their winning streak, seeing it snapped in Bricktown.
While almost everything went Oklahoma City's way on Thursday, in the midst of that impressive win, Josh Giddey fell to the ground with a gruesome ankle injury, that left him in the locker room the rest of the night.
After a light practice on Friday, where OKC Thunder bench boss Mark Daigneault admitted Giddey "did not do much," the Thunder have ruled Giddey out for Saturday's tilt with the L.A. Lakers.
The Thunder list Josh Giddey (ankle) as OUT tomorrow vs the Lakers. Keyontae Johnson (GL) is doubtful. Jalen Williams is not on the report suggesting he is still good to go.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) December 22, 2023
It is unclear as of now how long Giddey will be on the shelf for, but with Daigneault set to meet with the local media again prior to tip-off, there is a chance for Oklahoma City to provide an update.
Along with Giddey landing on the injury report, the OKC Thunder upgraded Keyontae Johnson to available for this contest after a long stint with the NBA G League Squad. The Blue wrapped up their Winter Showcase stint with a 2-0 record, as Johnson played a key part in the success.
The L.A. Lakers currently list LeBron James and Anthony Davis as questionable, though there is optimism that each will play in this contest. Rui Hachimura, Jared Vanderbilt, and Jalen Hood-Schifino are probable. Gabe Vincent remains doubtful for this contest.
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