Raptors' Lowry remains out with back injury

As expected, the Toronto Raptors will once again be without the services of Kyle Lowry on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lowry missed Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls after re-aggravating a back injury on Tuesday. The All-Star point guard had missed two straight games with a back contusion before playing 11 minutes in Detroit on Tuesday.

Given that both Lowry and head coach Dwane Casey have stated the importance of keeping him off the court until he's completely healthy, Lowry should probably be considered out indefinitely until stated otherwise.

The 29-year-old is averaging 17.9 points, 6.9 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals for Toronto, which can clinch a second consecutive Atlantic Division crown with a win or a Boston Celtics loss on Friday.

Before his back injury, Lowry had regained his early-season form following three games of needed rest.