LOS ANGELES_D'Angelo Russell wore sandals as he casually shot the ball on Saturday afternoon. While the rest of his team went through practice, Russell underwent treatment for an injured left knee that is expected to keep him out for at least another week and a half.
On Wednesday, Russell had a platelet-rich plasma injection to help heal his injury. The minimally invasive procedure can help heal tendon, ligament, cartilage or bone injuries. Since then his rehab has consisted of pool workouts as well as exercises to strengthen his core and glutes.
"Definitely don't want to force anything back," Russell said. "I feel like I gotta be 100 percent perfect before I step back on the court.
"I was in a lot of pain but I know how to control it, I guess. I knew what not to do. So many games in this league, it's hard to stay healthy when you're injured and you're trying to maintain that focus."
Russell, who had knee surgery while in high school, had an MRI exam on his knee before the season started. He said he had been dealing with some pain in the knee "on and off" since the beginning of the season but didn't consider it anything serious.
He said he's not sure what caused the pain, which has required missing games, beginning with the Lakers' Nov. 18 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Russell played two days later against the Chicago Bulls, but he was cautious and hesitated to do much inside the perimeter. He has not played since.
"Can't really move the way I want, so when I try to fight it and move _ sharp movements and plant _ it aggravated it," Russell said.
The Lakers leave Monday for a road trip that includes four games in five days. Russell plans to go but doesn't expect to play.
"I'd rather travel and get treatment than sit here and not," Russell said.
