Lakers guard Luka Doncic is officially questionable for Friday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets because of soreness in his left hamstring. The 27-year-old All-Star has appeared in 61 of Los Angeles’ 73 games this season and must log at least 20 minutes in four of the club’s final nine contests to remain eligible for postseason honors such as MVP and All-NBA.
While Doncic’s status was downgraded, forward Rui Hachimura moved in the opposite direction. After sitting out the past two games with a right calf issue, Hachimura has been upgraded to questionable for Friday.
Other Injury Notes
• Starting center Deandre Ayton is no longer on the injury report after missing Wednesday’s win in Indiana because of lower-back soreness.
• Guard Marcus Smart will miss a third straight game Friday due to a right ankle contusion.
Coaching Staff Emphasizes Health
Head coach JJ Redick told reporters the priority is reaching the postseason with a full rotation. “When all nine guys have played, we’ve been a good basketball team,” Redick said, noting the importance of Smart’s ball-handling and defense as well as Hachimura’s floor spacing.
Guard Austin Reaves echoed that sentiment after Monday’s loss in Detroit, calling Smart “the glue guy” for his unselfish approach and defensive intensity.
Bronny James Seizes Opportunity
With Smart, Hachimura and Ayton sidelined Wednesday, second-year guard Bronny James logged 13 minutes off the bench, finishing with four points, two steals, one block, one rebound and one assist. The former second-round pick, who has excelled in the G League with South Bay, also shared the court with his father LeBron James for just the second time this season.
Bronny downplayed the significance, saying he was focused on helping the Lakers win. LeBron, however, called the moment “a dream” and praised his son’s progress since suffering cardiac arrest during a USC workout in July 2023.
The Lakers (record not specified) host Brooklyn on Friday looking to secure both a victory and improved health as the regular season winds down.
Source: Hoops Rumors
