Lakers List Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Maxi Kleber as Questionable for Monday in Detroit
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The Los Angeles Lakers may be without three rotation players when they face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. The team’s latest injury report tags Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) as questionable.
Smart nursing ankle issue
Smart has delivered strong two-way performances in recent weeks but has been noticeably limited by his ankle. With Monday closing out a two-game road swing, the Lakers could elect to rest the guard to allow full recovery.
Hachimura exits previous game
Hachimura logged 15 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s 112-96 win over the Orlando Magic, finishing with two points on 1-of-2 shooting, one rebound and one block. He departed late in the third quarter because of the calf problem and did not return. The forward has dealt with similar issues in the past, placing his status for Detroit in doubt.
Kleber nearing return
Kleber has missed time with a lower-back strain but is trending toward a comeback. If cleared, the coaching staff is expected to limit his minutes initially.
Rotation implications
Should both Hachimura and Smart be sidelined, head coach JJ Redick could lean on Luke Kennard for additional scoring and revisit Jarred Vanderbilt’s role while Jake LaRavia continues to struggle offensively.
Hachimura on team chemistry
Los Angeles enters Monday on a nine-game winning streak that has lifted the club to third in the Western Conference. After a recent victory over the Sacramento Kings, Hachimura said the Lakers “look like a championship team” when fully engaged and healthy but acknowledged inconsistency whenever injuries force lineup changes.
The Lakers and Pistons tip off Monday at Little Caesars Arena. Official game-time decisions for Hachimura, Smart and Kleber are expected following the team’s pregame evaluations.
Source: Lakers Nation
