Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell shrugs off fears that he's injury-prone

D'Angelo Russell, drafted No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2015-16 season, has shrugged off the theory that he is "injury-prone" despite growing concerns about the point guard's future with the team.

This season, Russell has already missed 14 out of 48 games and has been side-lined for another two weeks after straining his right calf during the opening minute of the team's 108-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers last Friday. The former Ohio State standout also suffered a bone bruise in his right knee besides a mild MCL sprain. Even though MRI reports ruled out a severe injury, many analysts covering the Lakers have hinted that the franchise is growing increasingly concerned with the guard's recurring knee issues.

“It’s not that big of a deal. It’s not that serious," an adamant Russell told reporters on Monday while adding that he "feels grateful" since he avoided a possible season-ending injury. Last Friday, Russell stepped on teammate Julius Randle's foot during a pick-and-roll before going down awkwardly and grimacing with pain.

D'Angelo Russell injury: Lakers guard adamant he's not injury-prone

Russell, who missed 12 games in November and December with a left knee injury, said he has a clearer understanding on how to deal with injuries. “It takes time to get back into the groove that you’re in. You miss one game, two games, any games, it’s hard to come back from. So knowing that it’s going to be tough getting back into the groove, there’s better preparation going into that," Russell said, via the OC Register.

Head coach Luke Walton, who has been a vocal supporter of Russell since taking over the reins of the team at the start of the season, isn't worried about his young point guard. "I don't think it's (the injury) as bad as I initially thought. I saw him go down and I was pretty worried for him, but he said he feels all right when I checked on him at halftime," Walton said after Friday's win over the Pacers.

As earlier reported, there's a theory that the Los Angeles Lakers will be willing to consider a D'Angelo Russell trade for the 'right pieces'. While the team hasn't publicly acknowledged the rumours, Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd reiterated earlier this week that Russell is no longer on the team's "untouchables" list.

In the past, several point guards, such as Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings, have failed to sustain consistent performances due to various injuries. Could D'Angelo Russell be headed down the same road? The southpaw is averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in his second NBA season.