Lakers: Carmelo Anthony Out for Fifth Straight Game

LA is not rushing Carmelo Anthony back so his hamstring is fully healed for the Lakers playoff push.

The Lakers will be playing their last game before the All-Star break without sixth-man Carmelo Anthony. According to Bill Oram of The Athletic, Carmelo is officially listed as "Out".

Lakers listed Carmelo Anthony as out for Wednesday’s game vs. Utah. Frank Vogel said earlier today he would be questionable, but he is now out. So is Avery Bradley (right knee effusion)

— Bill Oram (@billoram) February 15, 2022

Carmelo is missing his fifth straight game after initially injuring his hamstring on February 3rd against the Clippers.

Lakers reporter Mike Truddell reported that LA isn't rushing Carmelo back so he can be fully healthy for the stretch run.

Carmelo Anthony and Avery Bradley have both been ruled out for tomorrow.

‘Melo will miss a fifth straight game out of an abundance of caution to ensure his hamstring is good to go after the All-Star break.

Bradley had some swelling in his knee after Saturday’s game at GSW.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 15, 2022

Prior to Carmelo's injury, the Lakers ranked 8th in bench scoring (37.2 PPG). In the four games Anthony has been sidelined, LA ranks 18th in bench points (33.3 PPG).

The Lakers will have to find a way to beat the Utah Jazz tonight at Crypto.com Arena without their most consistent bench scorer. 

The Jazz are currently on a six game winning streak that includes home wins over the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers will resume their regular season on February 25th against the Los Angeles Clippers.