TITLE: LeBron James Cleared, Luka Doncic Returns, Marcus Smart Still Sidelined for Lakers-Cavaliers Rematch
SLUG: lebron-james-available-luka-doncic-returns-marcus-smart-out-vs-cavaliers
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers will have both LeBron James and Luka Doncic in uniform when they face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, while guard Marcus Smart will miss his fifth consecutive game.
James, who had been listed as questionable with left foot injury management, has been cleared to play on the second night of a back-to-back after recording a triple-double in Monday’s win over the Washington Wizards. Doncic reenters the lineup after serving a one-game suspension for technical-foul accumulation. With seven regular-season contests remaining, the All-Star guard must avoid two additional technicals to prevent another automatic suspension.
Smart remains out because of a right ankle contusion. Head coach JJ Redick reiterated Monday that the veteran guard is considered day-to-day but will not return until the medical staff is confident he is fully recovered, a precaution the team views as essential with the postseason approaching.
Redick: Doncic Deserves MVP If Lakers Finish Strong
As award debates intensify, Redick said Doncic should capture the league’s Most Valuable Player honor if Los Angeles maintains its current form down the stretch. “If we continue to finish the season the way we’re playing right now, and he continues to play that way — to me, he is the MVP,” Redick told reporters, adding that injuries and high-profile defeats have overshadowed the club’s overall progress.
The Lakers were routed in their previous visit to Cleveland earlier in the campaign and view Tuesday’s matchup as an opportunity for payback with their core rotation nearly intact.
Source: LakersNation.com
