Lakers Clear LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for Back-to-Back vs. Heat
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James (left foot arthritis), Luka Doncic (right hip soreness) and Austin Reaves (right forearm contusion) will all be in uniform for Thursday night’s matchup with the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center.
The trio had been listed as questionable on the official injury report, raising concerns because the game comes less than 24 hours after Wednesday’s 128-117 victory over the Houston Rockets. According to team officials, the Lakers did not arrive in Miami until approximately 5 a.m. local time.
James, 41, is set to appear in his fifth consecutive contest after missing three games earlier this month with similar foot and hip issues. Los Angeles has won all seven games during that span, extending its season-best winning streak to seven.
Against Houston, James converted 13 of 14 field-goal attempts for 30 points, adding six dunks and three alley-oops before taking a late fall that required ice on his elbow and knees postgame. Doncic contributed 40 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, while Reaves emerged with a bruised forearm.
Even with their stars available, the Lakers could lean more heavily on Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard if minutes are monitored on the second night of the back-to-back.
Miami enters the contest on a two-game skid after a seven-game winning run, but may regain center Bam Adebayo, who is expected to rejoin a backcourt led by Tyler Herro and Norman Powell.
Source: Lakers Nation
