Lakers' D'Angelo Russell: Will start Tuesday vs. Nuggets

Russell (calf) will start at point guard in Tuesday's game against the Nuggets, Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles reports.

Analysis:

News surfaced Monday suggesting Russell had been medically cleared to play, but the Lakers were apparently still deciding whether or not they'd return Russell to action Tuesday or wait until Thursday's game against the Wizards. After shootaround Tuesday, coach Luke Walton offered some clarity, stating that Russell will play and rejoin the starting five, resulting in veteran Jose Calderon heading back to the bench. Russell missed the last three games with a strained calf and has struggled throughout January, averaging 13.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 40.7 percent from the floor and just 30.9 percent from three-point range.