Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Will Injuries Sideline D’Angelo Russell?

Los Angeles Lakers D'Angelo Russell came down hard after colliding with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert but fortunately for the franchise, the 2015 first round draft pick is okay.

"I just tried to come across with help defense and made contact with a bigger guy," Russell said. "I just fell wrong. I didn't want to give up the easy lay-up and I tried to contest it. I just got caught and landed on my tailbone."

Russell stated that immediately after the collision, he could not move. He stayed on the floor for about two minutes before getting up very slowly. His teammates and Gary Vitti then helped carry him into the locker room. He did not sustain any serious damage and was diagnosed with a bruised glute. Russell previously dealt with a foot injury but that injury did not stop him from practicing or playing.

"I feel fine. I wanted to get back out there," Russell told the L.A. Daily News. "But Gary Vitti and the rest of the staff said they didn't think it would be a smart idea. I'll just ice and take care of it the best way possible and try to get out there."

Kobe Bryant weighed in on Russell's injury.

"I had the same injury my rookie year too and it put me out for a couple of weeks," Bryant said. "It was a tough fall. But it is what it is. I don't think it's something to be overly concerned about it. If he gets some rest, he'll be fine."

Head coach Byron Scott added, "He took a pretty good hard fall. I just hope it wasn't anything broken," Scott said. "The way he came down, I could tell he would be sore. I knew it would be his hip and it was just one of those things that now depends how fast the kid can heal."

The Lakers have been dealing with numerous injuries over the past few seasons. If Russell's glute heals fast, the Lakers could have a healthy group of guys for the season opener.