The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped the first two games of their road trip and aim to secure their first victory when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. LeBron James will be unavailable as he continues recovering from a groin injury sustained in Saturday’s loss to the Boston Celtics. His expected absence could last up to two weeks, likely pushing his return to late March. Additionally, starting center Jaxson Hayes has been ruled out due to a right knee contusion. However, the Lakers aren’t the only team dealing with injuries, as Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is also on the injury report for Thursday’s game.

The Bucks’ official injury report, released Thursday, lists the two-time MVP as probable. Interestingly, Giannis carried the same designation before Milwaukee’s previous game against the Indiana Pacers but still played 34 minutes in the close loss, finishing with 19 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists. Since returning from an injury against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 20, he has not missed a game for Milwaukee.

Injury Report – March 13 vs. Lakers

Out: Bobby Portis Jr. (League Suspension)
Doubtful: Tyler Smith (Back Spasms)
Questionable: Chris Livingston (Non-COVID Illness)
Probable:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left Calf Strain)

Damian Lillard (Right Groin Soreness)

Antetokounmpo remains a key contender in the MVP race, averaging 30.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while shooting 60.5% from the field. Despite his impressive numbers, the Bucks have struggled with consistency, currently enduring a three-game losing streak. Sitting at fourth place in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee will look to bounce back with a crucial win over the third-seeded Lakers at Fiserv Forum.