The Los Angeles Lakers may regain two key pieces on Tuesday, as the team has listed LeBron James (right sciatica) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) as questionable for the matchup with the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
James, sidelined for the club’s first 14 games, completed a full practice on Monday. He told reporters he will monitor how his body responds overnight before deciding on his status for tip-off. “We’ve taken it one minute, one hour, one step at a time,” the forward said, noting that a final decision will likely come after the morning shootaround.
Vincent sprained his ankle three games into the season and has missed the last eight contests. The guard also practiced in full on Monday, raising the possibility that head coach JJ Redick could have a complete roster available for the first time this year.
Two players previously listed on the injury report—Rui Hachimura (left calf soreness) and Marcus Smart (viral illness)—have been cleared and are expected to dress against Utah.
The Lakers, 10-4 without James, do not play again until Sunday, when they travel to Salt Lake City to face the Jazz. The four-day gap gives the club additional flexibility if either James or Vincent needs more time to recover.
Redick on Adjusting the Rotation
Redick acknowledged that reinserting a 35-minute-per-game star will alter lineups and rhythms. “Any time you add someone who commands that many minutes, it affects the rotation and guys’ rhythm,” the coach said. “You have to tinker with the formula.”
The first chance to see that new mix could come as early as Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
