Carlos Boozer Injury: Updates on Lakers Star's Shoulder and Return

Carlos Boozer is dealing with a shoulder injury that has kept him out of the lineup. He returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday agains the Grizzlies.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Boozer Given Start vs. Grizzlies

Mike Trudell of Lakers.com provides an update on Boozer's status:

Mark Medina of insidesocal.com previously provided an update from coach Byron Scott, who commented on Boozer and teammate Ed Davis:

"

They went through shootaround and they both moved pretty well, so I take it that they will both be available tonight. Unless something drastically changes in the next seven to eight hours. I think they’ll be ready to play.

"

Monday, Nov. 24

Boozer Did Not Practice, Listed As Questionable

Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reported on Carlos Boozer's status:

"

Carlos Boozer did not practice today. Lakers are listing his status as questionable for tomorrow's game vs Memphis

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 24, 2014"

Sunday, Nov. 23

Boozer Out vs. Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Carlos Boozer will miss Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets with a shoulder injury.

Mike Trudell of Lakers.com provided the news:

A 13-year veteran, Boozer is spending his first year with the Lakers after being amnestied by the Chicago Bulls in the offseason. His final season with the Bulls was a disappointing one, posting 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game—his lowest marks since his rookie campaign.

Following the move, Bill Oram of the Orange County Register wrote about Boozer's recent career woes:

"

Carlos Boozer was a two-time All-Star and twice an Olympian. But by last summer, the 32-year-old was more or less an NBA afterthought. He had been reduced to a bench role by the Chicago Bulls, who ultimately rid themselves of Boozer’s massive contract by waiving him under the league’s amnesty clause. ...

Now he’s trying to resurrect a career that more or less derailed as he aged and began playing farther from the basket. His defense is regularly called into question.

"

Boozer has suffered multiple injuries during the course of his career. During his time in Chicago, he dealt with a turf toe ailment and even a strange calf injury in his final season.   

But when healthy, he is a productive veteran who can still get the job done on the court. Lakers coach Byron Scott referenced his ability prior to the season, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.

“Carlos has got a lot of experience and understands how to play,” Scott said. “He’s a good communicator out there. We know he’s a guy who can make mid-range shots. We know we can also throw it to him in the post a little bit.”

If Boozer misses any time with the injury, it would be another major blow to a Lakers team already without promising rookie Julius Randle, who is out for the season.

More pressure would be put on the shoulders of other players in the paint with Boozer sidelined. With the likes of Jordan Hill and Robert Sacre, the team still has viable options in the post, but there's no denying a healthy Boozer makes this team better.

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