Jared Dudley is done for the season. The long-time forward recently tore his MCL as announced by the team.
Dudley dealt with a “minor” knee injury throughout the past weeks, but the severe MCL tear came to light just this Sunday. Usually, the 14-year veteran served more as a locker-room type player to boost morale and mentor younger players. However, he recently became a more common feature in the Lakers rotation as injuries hampered the team.
Before the 2 weeks leading up to the All-Star break, Dudley made few appearances of note in the Lakers’ season. He never even cracked double-digit minutes on the season. In the midst of the injury crisis, he made 4 straight appearances, logging at least 10 minutes in all of those games.
In his time with the Lakers, Dudley became a sort of folk-hero for many Lakers fans. His stocky frame and animated personality only boosted his fame in LA. Dudley’s shining moment as a Laker came in the NBA bubble as he won his first NBA title.
The injury is just another obstacle that the Lakers face this season. Named favorites to repeat as title-winners at the start of the season, the team lies 3rd in the West. Without superstar Anthony Davis who suffered a calf strain earlier in the season, the team struggles for consistency.
