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Ryan Kelly to the rescue? Lakers forward hopes to play vs. Utah Jazz

Ryan Kelly is hoping to return from a hamstring injury on Sunday against the Utah Jazz.
(David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
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The Lakers have looked especially punchless over their last three exhibition games, losing on Sunday to the Utah Jazz, 119-86.

Injuries have been a significant issue, with Ryan Kelly (hamstring), Nick Young (thumb), Jeremy Lin (ankle), Steve Nash (back), Jordan Clarkson (calf) and Xavier Henry (back) all sidelined.

Even a camp invite, rookie point guard Keith Appling, suffered a shoulder injury Thursday and will undergo an MRI on Friday.

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“I don’t think anybody will be probably back [on Sunday], except maybe Ryan,” said Coach Byron Scott after practice Friday. “I’m not sure with Jeremy, because the other day in shootaround, he hurt his other ankle.”

Lin downplayed the second injury, saying he still hopes to play Sunday, talking with reporters while receiving electrical stimulation to his right ankle. The Lakers get a quick preseason rematch against the Jazz at Staples Center.

Kelly expects to scrimmage with the team Saturday. As long as he has no setback, he’ll be ready to play Sunday.

“I’m pretty close to normal,” said the second-year power forward. “I feel pretty good. It’s going to take a little bit of time, but I’m ready to roll.”

As a rookie, Kelly averaged 8.0 points a game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range.

The Lakers have been especially woeful from behind the arc this preseason.

“We’ve seen where we’ve struggled a little bit offensively is with that spacing,” said Kelly. “I think that’s something I can definitely bring to us.

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“We’re missing some guys who shoot the ball from that distance. Once some guys get back, we’ll be knocking them down.”

Scott is hoping to get close to a full roster before the season, although Young will miss 15 to 20 games while recovering from thumb surgery.

Nash’s status may be tenuous throughout the season.

“Hopefully, before these last preseason games are over, we’ll have a full team with Jeremy, Jordan and all those guys healthy,” said Scott.

The Lakers are 1-3 through the preseason, with games remaining against the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Jazz. The team opens the regular season Oct. 28, at home against the Houston Rockets.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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