HONOLULU, HI - SEPTEMBER 29: Brandon Bass of the Los Angeles Lakers stretches during training camp on September 29, 2015 at the University of Hawaii, in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Brandon Bass Injury: Updates on Lakers Forward's Knee and Return

Scott PolacekOct 8, 2015

Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Bass will miss his team’s preseason contest Thursday against the Toronto Raptors after suffering a knee injury, but he has avoided a serious setback.

Continue for updates.

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Bass Suffers Contusion

Thursday, Oct. 8

According to NBA.com, Bass fell on his left knee during Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz and “was diagnosed with a patella contusion after undergoing an MRI and CT scan,” even though he stayed in the game for the final 24 seconds of the first half after the fall.

Bass is entering his 11th season and provides veteran leadership for a Lakers team that has a mixture of experienced players and youngsters. His durability makes him valuable, considering he has missed only one regular-season contest over the last three campaigns.

In all, Bass averaged 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Boston Celtics in 2014-15. He can stretch opposing defenses with his ability to hit from mid-range at the power forward spot. He made a solid 45.2 percent of his shots from 15 to 19 feet away in 2014-15, according to NBA.com.

The fact that Bass briefly remained in the game after the injury and the MRI results revealing it was only a contusion rather than serious ligament damage are welcome signs for the Lakers. It is only the preseason, and the team does not start its regular season until Oct. 28. There is plenty of time for the veteran to heal.

Bass’ temporary absence will provide an opportunity for second-year forward Julius Randle to pick up critical experience after missing almost his entire rookie campaign with a leg injury.

The Lakers are building toward the future with players like Randle and D’Angelo Russell, and all experience is important for the youngsters at this point in their careers.