Clippers move Brook Lopez into starting role; Leonard day-to-day, Collins ruled out
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Veteran center Brook Lopez will start for the Los Angeles Clippers for the remainder of the season after the team traded Ivica Zubac at the deadline, according to the Orange County Register. The 37-year-old entered the organization expecting to back up Zubac but is now tasked with anchoring the paint as the club pursues a playoff berth.
“It’s just been about staying ready for me,” Lopez said. “Whatever’s required of me, I’m going to go out there and do it.”
Lopez delivered 16 points and 10 rebounds in Friday’s win over the Lakers, a game in which the Clippers ran much of their offense through him after Kawhi Leonard exited because of ankle stiffness. Leonard’s availability for Sunday’s matchup remains uncertain.
Despite Leonard’s latest setback, his resilience drew praise from LeBron James, who called the two-time Finals MVP “one of the league’s best players.”
Collins sidelined
Forward John Collins will miss Sunday’s contest after sustaining a head laceration and neck soreness, The Athletic reported. The team has not indicated any signs of a concussion.
Source: Hoops Wire
