D'Angelo Russell injury update: Lakers guard says he feels fine after suffering bruised glute

The Los Angeles Lakers look like they may have survived a scary moment in preseason. D'Angelo Russell hit the hardwood after going up to challenge a shot from Rudy Gobert, and the No. 2 pick stayed down after falling hard on his back until his teammates helped him off the court. Team doctors have classified his injury as a bruised glute, and Russell was ready to return shortly after the injury occurred, according to Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell.

Team doctors decided to hold Russell out instead, staying cautious to protect their talented young point guard. D'Angelo said he "feels fine" after the game, but there's no official word on whether he'll be cleared to play and practice immediately. The ding isn't welcome, but considering the fall he took, this outcome is a relief.

Russell missing out on his second chance to get some run with his new teammates is disappointing, but playing it safe makes the most sense in preseason. Considering D'Angelo also wasn't forthright with ankle and knee problems that he played through during Summer League, protecting him from himself is a good thing to get in the habit of early.

Here's the play that left Russell with a bruised backside:

The Lakers' next game is Thursday against the Toronto Raptors.

Here's more of what Russell said about the injury, via Trudell:

Russell on the sore glute: "I just ice and try to take care of it the best way possible. I’m trying to get out there as soon as possible.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2015

Russell is sore, but, "No (X-rays). We just did a few exercises to see where the pain was coming from and just went off that.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2015

Russell: "I knew it wasn’t that serious when I fell. I was talking to Gary (Vitti) while I was on the ground. I just couldn’t move it."

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2015

DR: "It hurts when I try to do different movements … it’s just going to take a little time. Ice it, take care of it the best way possible.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2015

Russell hasn’t been ruled out of tomorrow’s practice but the staff will just see how he feels in the morning and go from there.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2015