Russell Westbrook ruled out against the Los Angeles Lakers

It has been a rough season for the Oklahoma City Thunder in terms of dealing with injuries to their star players. Superstar Kevin Durant has been in and out of the lineup all season long with lingering foot issues leaving Russell Westbrook to shoulder the load.

Now Westbrook, who many believe could be this season’s NBA MVP, will miss some time after suffering a fractured bone in his face. The Thunder will have to face-off against the Los Angeles Lakers on the road at the Staples Center on Sunday without Westbrook, according to Royce Young of ESPN:

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook underwent a successful procedure to address a fracture in the zygomatic arch bone of his right cheek on Saturday, the team announced.

He has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Lakers and will be re-evaluated this week to determine when he can return to play.

As for the Lakers, the struggling franchise has started to put something together with the team winning three straight heading into their matchup with Oklahoma City. Westbrook drastically improves the chances Los Angeles wins a fourth straight game on Sunday with Durant still out of the lineup as well.

The betting odds for Sunday’s game between the Lakers and Thunder have yet to be released. It would be safe to assume Westbrook’s absence will definitely change things. Oklahoma City was likely the favorite heading into tomorrow’s matchup, but now the Lakers may have the edge or at least shortened the gap considering the game being in Los Angeles and the team having won three straight.