D'Angelo Russell Injury Update: Lakers guard could play Sunday vs Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell returned to a full-throttle practice session Saturday and could return to action during a home game against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

Russell has missed ten straight games, including 11 of the last 12, due to soreness on his left knee. The combo guard underwent platelet therapy and was forced to avoid all basketball activities for more than two weeks.

In Russell's absence, the Purple & Gold have gone on a 3-8 losing streak and their offense has gone from one of the best in the league to one of the absolute worst. While the team was averaging nearly 110 points per game with Russell as the starting point guard, they are scoring just under 105 points per game over the last ten games.

D'Angelo Russell absence hurting Lakers

With veteran Jose Calderon subbing in as the starting point guard during an eight-game stretch, the Lakers were averaging 20 points lesser per 100 possessions as compared to when Russell was on the floor. That tally dipped even further with Jordan Clarkson as the team's starting point guard. Clearly, the Lakers miss Russell.

READ: Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks live stream, preview, start time

According to the Los Angeles Times, coach Luke Walton wanted to see Russell go through a drill with contact before clearing him for a comeback. On Saturday, Russell not only returned to the court for contact practice, he took part in an additional three-on-three drill with five teammates.

Walton wanted to see if Russell could fight through screens, cut and get his shots off. After putting his young guard through a rough test, Walton is optimistic about playing him against the Knicks. “Just trying to get D’Angelo a little bit of playing time with the bodies we have available. He looked great (during practice). He’s … moving around well all practice long. Seems to be moving pretty well right now in the three-on-three game," Walton said after Russell finished his practice.

The Lakers have listed Russell as 'questionable' for the game but Walton hasn't ruled him out just yet. “If he’s ready to play, he’ll play (Sunday). If he’s not we’ll re-evaluate and try to get him out there Monday. He’s a big part of what we do and we’re not going to rush him at all. But if he’s cleared to go we won’t hold him out.”

D'Angelo Russell is averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds this season.