Kemba Walker ruled out vs. Lakers

Kemba Walker’s first game action since the All-Star break will be delayed even further as the Boston Celtics ruled the point guard out for their contest against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET)

Walker is dealing with left knee soreness that also caused him to miss Friday night’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The injury is significant enough that Walker had his knee drained and received an injection to help alleviate both the swelling and the soreness.

While Walker will sit out for a second straight game, and 10th overall this season, Brad Stevens told reporters prior to the matchup with the Timberwolves that he doesn’t believe the knee soreness will keep Walker out for a lengthy period of time.

Walker, who played around 30 minutes in the All-Star Game that picked up in intensity in the latter stages of the exhibition affair, has been one of the more durable players in the NBA in recent years — according to our own Keith Smith, Walker missed just six games over his final four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets — and from reports, Walker really wanted to suit up versus the Lakers.

In his first season with the Celtics, Walker has played in 46 games, averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds in those contests.

There’s no indication on when Walker will return as after the C’s visit La La Land, their west coast road trip continues with stops in Portland and Utah before returning home Saturday to host the Houston Rockets.