Wizards' Bradley Beal (hamstring) returns to lineup vs. Lakers

Washington Wizards star guard Bradley Beal returned from a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury to play against the host Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. Beal had been sidelined since being injured in the first quarter of a 130-119 home loss to the Lakers on Dec. 4. Beal is averaging 22.9 points and 5.4 assists in 18 games for the Wizards, who have lost a season-worst nine consecutive games and 12 of their past 13. The 29-year-old Beal has a 22.1 career average in 11 seasons with the Wizards. The three-time All-Star has twice finished second in the NBA in scoring, averaging 30.5 points in the 2019-20 season and 31.3 in 2020-21. --Field Level Media