Lakers Injury News: Larry Nance, Jr. diagnosed with concussion, will miss Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance, Jr. has been diagnosed with a concussion after hitting his head on the floor in the first half of the team’s game against the Phoenix Suns, according to the team. Nance will be held out of the second half against Phoenix as well as the Lakers’ Tuesday game against the Dallas Mavericks.

According to the NBA’s concussion protocol, Nance must not show any symptoms of a concussion while at rest, be evaluated by a physician, complete the NBA’s return-to-participation exertion protocol, and have the Lakers physician discuss the protocol with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the Director of the NBA concussion program.

Nance’s health is obviously the primary concern, but the Lakers will feel his absence. Until he returns, the team will be force to lean more on Julius Randle with Luol Deng possibly in line for more small-ball four minutes as well. Thomas Robinson might also receive additional playing time.

Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.