Lakers Injury Update: Julius Randle cleared to return against Washington, could still not play

After missing the Los Angeles Lakers’ last few games with pneumonia, Julius Randle has been cleared to return in a limited role in the team’s Thursday night game against the Washington Wizards, according to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.

Walton also told Oram that Randle may not play, however, so it’s really unknown what will happen. Still, Randle being cleared to return to the lineup is undoubtedly progress for the third-year forward, who has averaged 13 points and 8.4 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game this season.

The Lakers have missed Randle’s playmaking at time with the starting unit, and having him back will start the process on easing the creation burden placed on D’Angelo Russell, who is also in the process of getting healthy again.

The Lakers tip against the Wizards at 4:00 p.m. PT.

All stats per NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com. Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.