Los Angeles Lakers' Julius Randle (ankle) likely to play vs. Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle had his sprained left ankle examined by a foot specialist Thursday, but he is expected to play on Christmas Day against the Los Angeles Clippers, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

Randle, who was injured Tuesday during the Lakers' win over the Nuggets in Denver, did not play Wednesday in Los Angeles' home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In 28 games this season, Randle is averaging 11.5 points and 9.5 rebounds.

Randle is in his second pro season after Los Angeles made him the seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft out of Kentucky. He sustained a season-ending broken right leg in the Lakers' 2014-15 opener, then underwent right foot surgery in January to repair an old high school injury.

The Lakers, who sit last in the Western Conference with a 5-24 record, have two wins in their past five games. The Clippers (16-13) enter the city showdown with three consecutive defeats.