The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with injuries in recent weeks, but they received positive news on Friday regarding the availability of key players. According to the latest injury report (via Jovan Buha), the team is getting healthier and may be at full strength for Saturday’s home game against the Bulls.
Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all listed as probable.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Gabe Vincent are categorized as questionable.
The only player currently ruled out is Maxi Kleber, who has yet to make his debut for the Lakers. Head coach JJ Redick has been adjusting to frequent lineup changes, but reinforcements arriving this weekend could help stabilize the team.
Against the Bucks on Thursday, the Lakers were far from their best. They were missing six key players, including four starters and their top three scorers, leading to a blowout loss.
Fortunately, the Lakers are regaining their health just in time. Sitting at fourth in the Western Conference with a 43-26 record, they are in a tight playoff race and need every player available to compete.
The most crucial player in this equation is LeBron James. He left the Celtics game early on March 8 and has been out since. His groin injury required two weeks of recovery, but after undergoing treatment in LA, he is set to return on Saturday. This season, LeBron is averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 51.7%.
Luka Doncic has remained mostly healthy but missed the last game to recover from a sprained right ankle. As the team’s top scorer and playmaker, his return is significant, especially as he builds chemistry with LeBron James.
Reaves was officially out with an ankle injury, but the real reason for his absence may have been the team’s grueling schedule, which included six games in eight nights.
Rui Hachimura has missed the past 12 games due to left patellar tendinopathy. Before his injury, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 50.6%.
Now that their toughest schedule stretch is behind them, the Lakers are focused on the final phase of the season, but the road ahead remains challenging.
With the Thunder and Rockets leading the Western Conference, LA must be at full strength to compete. However, if LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic stay healthy, the Lakers have the potential to defeat any team in their path.
