Lakers vs. Knicks Game Preview: D’Angelo Russell’s return is in the air

Good news may be on the way for the Los Angeles Lakers when the New York Knicks pay a visit to Staples Center Sunday afternoon. D’Angelo Russell is on track to make his return, which would be a huge boost for a Lakers team needing a shot of positivity.

Perhaps a little ice in their veins will do the trick.

Chasing around Carmelo Anthony won’t be an easy task for the Lakers’ perimeter defenders, and Phil Jackson has tried his own hand at it recently. Jackson dropped one of his typical Phil-isms on ‘Melo, telling media that Anthony holds the ball too long, stalling the offense. The two have since had a meeting at USC, where the Knicks were practicing, to gain an understanding of why the comments were made.

Things haven’t gone well for the Lakers following injuries to both Russell and Nick Young, but with D’Angelo likely returning and Young getting closer to doing the same himself, the feel good vibes could be back sooner rather than later. The Lakers’ record has taken a serious hit, and a win in their last home game until facing the Clippers on Christmas Day would be a great start to turning things around. Notching a win before their longest road trip of the season would be a great way to lift their spirits.

Keep your fingers, toes and everything you possibly can crossed that Russell returns for a nice little showdown against the Knicks. That’d make it a whole lot easier to enjoy the game as we close out another week of hoops.

Time: 6:30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet