I am now somewhat concerned. Not long-term, but he's starting to fall behind a normal MCL timeline. What isn't the team telling us? Or maybe he just isn't healing quickly.
Its been a month since he last suited up. Puts him within a grade 3 MCL sprain window (prognosis: 4-8 weeks). Meanwhile grade 2 sprains are 2-4 weeks in recovery time, so they could be erring on the side of caution.
Maybe being too cautious? But if he's out for the upcoming back to back and Rising Star game, it gives him an additional 10 days of rest/practice before our next game.
A week from today will be more than 5 weeks since be first missed a game. That's longer than the initial timeline they provided. If it is a grade 3 sprain, there was likely a tear involved and that should have been caught early on. I'd almost hope it's a grade 2 that Lonzo is struggling to recover from than think the team's medical staff didn't catch a slightly torn MCL.
Real: True, but dude is 20 and you know these guys think they're invincible and don't understand the true ramifications of their actions longterm. It could have easily been diagnosed as a grade 2 that he further exacerbated becoming a grade 3. Or we initially diagnosed it a grade 3 but kept it under wraps because it was fresh off our 9 game losing streak/Lavar pitching his 2 cents in. When Zo went down, we had just won 4 in a row and our morale was on the rebound. Announcing that Zo would be out for 4-8 weeks not only would have taken the wind out our sails but also hurt us in trade negotiations. That's my guess and I welcome a more judicious decision on this matter, seeing how MCL sprains tend to linger and become more severe (ie becoming a full tear or an adjoining ACL tear) if rushed.
I'm not arguing against any of that, it's all good points. I'm just saying it's a little concerning now. He's been banged up a bit and now he's struggling to meet general timelines to heal. That's not a good combination. It's not a deal breaker and I don't think this is a long term thing. This isn't knee soreness or degeneration, but it's something to keep an eye on for sure.
They're framing it as a precautionary thing and the extra 10 days should be enough to get him over the hump. We'll see. Hopefully that's true.
Oh its for sure concerning...just man up and throw some 'tussin on it already. Seriously though, I feel its best to proceed cautiously. Its better to do so, cause you don't want knee pain of the chronic variety. A recurring pain usually can be traced back to improper recovery time. I will say that if you look at his medical history, it does concern me a bit. He definitely needs to get stronger and change his workout regimen towards a more preemptive approach. He doesn't have a NBA body, which is leading to some growing pains in every sense of the word.
Yes and no. We can provide the players with everything, but it's their responsibility to do it. Keep in mind Kobe was eating McDonalds well into his playing days. These kids all eat terribly. Most kids eat terribly. Most people in general eat terribly!
Of course not. But hey... at least he's ready to play for us after the break, which is great. If he gets hurt again - I am officially worried.
Do the Lakers bother to address it publicly? Which reporter lobs that question out there? I like that the media is turning on Lavar now.
Cultivating the "Stars" in L.A. .... I'm not so sure he doesn't play. Sounds like just one solid contact practice and he's cleared. How bad do the Lakers want to see as many of their own as possible representing the Lakers in Los Angeles for the game. Just don't think it's a done deal he doesn't play. The little LaVar "droid". Grow a freaking pair Lonzo.