Short-handed Los Angeles Lakers without center Marc Gasol, forward Kyle Kuzma against Phoenix Suns
Just before tip-off, the team also announced that Kyle Kuzma (right heel contusion) would also miss the game.
Los Angeles took a two-game winning streak into the game, dating back to the return of starting point guard Dennis Schroder, who had missed the Lakers’ previous four games — all of them losses — while being sidelined because of a violation of the health and safety protocols because of contact tracing.
Gasol, 36, was signed to a two-year contract in the offseason to join the defending champions. He is averaging 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds this season.
Gasol’s absence could mean more playing time for center Damian Jones, who was recently signed to a 10-day contract and had eight points, three rebounds and two blocks in his debut with the team against Golden State.