D'Angelo Russell Injury: Updates on Lakers Guard's Shin and Return

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell suffered a shin injury in the third quarter of Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies and would not return. However, he's ready to make his return to the court. 

Continue for updates. 

---

Russell Active vs. Suns

Wednesday, March 23

Russell is starting Wednesday night against Phoenix, per Craig Grialou of 98.7 FM in Arizona.

---

Young Russell Crucial to Lakers 

Russell has been fairly healthy in his first professional season, with an ankle injury suffered on Jan. 8 being the most significant problem he's faced. 

The Lakers have been a mess this season, owning the Western Conference's worst record, making this a crucial development year for the franchise. Russell and Julius Randle are the franchise's two big pieces moving forward. 

Kobe Bryant's impending retirement has changed the Lakers' narrative, with general manager Mitch Kupchak even saying a proper goodbye to the Los Angeles icon is the most important thing, per ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes.

Russell was coming off the bench for most of the season before Lakers head coach Byron Scott announced the former Ohio State star would be starting the final 26 games, per Holmes.