Lakers' Russell on being injured: 'It's very boring'

D'Angelo Russell has missed 11 of the Los Angeles Lakers' last 12 games with discomfort in his left knee, and being injured is not his jam.

"I feel like it's very boring," he said Wednesday, according to the O.C. Register's Bill Oram.

Both Russell and his fellow injured backcourt teammate Nick Young both participated in non-contact activities during Thursday's practice, even though his return to game action isn't imminent. His next chance to practice is Saturday.

According to the Register, coach Luke Walton wants Russell to go through a full practice and play at least a competitive 3-on-3 game before taking the court again.

"I waited so long to get back on the court until I felt 100 percent," Russell said. "I feel great. It’s just about knocking the dust off before I get on the court, before I get in the game."

The 20-year-old averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 assists before the late-November injury in San Antonio, and the timing for his absence has been poor for the Lakers. The team is 3-8 without Russell, and Walton's options to replace him on the court are limited by further injuries to the roster.