LeBron James is expected to suit up on Monday night in Phoenix after the Los Angeles Lakers left the 40-year-old forward off their official injury report. James missed Sunday’s victory over New Orleans because of “left foot injury management,” but head coach JJ Redick said the club was simply exercising caution with a foot issue that has bothered the veteran.
Redick added before Sunday’s game that the organization hopes James will soon be able to appear in both halves of back-to-back sets. James, the NBA’s oldest active player, extended his league record last season by earning an All-NBA selection for the 21st consecutive year. Under the league’s 65-game minimum, he can be absent only three more times in 2025-26 and still remain award-eligible.
Smart to Miss Third Consecutive Game
While James returns, guard Marcus Smart will sit out for the third straight contest. The 31-year-old is now listed with “lower back injury management,” a change from the original designation of lower back spasms. Redick called Smart “day-to-day” and said he does not expect a long absence.
Ayton Avoids Injury Report After Knee Scare
Starting center Deandre Ayton briefly aggravated a right knee bruise in the fourth quarter on Sunday—an ailment that already cost him roughly a game and a half last week. Los Angeles held a sizeable lead at the time, and Ayton was left off Monday’s report.
Light Moment Fuels Run
The Lakers’ bench erupted in laughter Sunday when reserve big man Maxi Kleber air-balled an uncontested layup on a potential three-point play. “We all thought he was going to dunk it,” guard Gabe Vincent said. The playful reaction preceded an 8-0 surge that pushed the margin back to 19. Kleber noted the incident underscored the roster’s ability to stay loose during the 82-game grind.
Doncic and Reaves Extend Historic Streak
Los Angeles secured its seventh straight win Sunday, improving to 15-4. Backcourt stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 67 points and 15 assists, marking the third consecutive game in which both scored at least 30. According to the Lakers, they are only the fourth teammate duo in the past 50 years to achieve that feat in three straight outings. “The gravity he has, it’s impossible to guard him one way,” Reaves said of Doncic. “Once you blitz him, we’re playing advantage basketball.”
Borrego Recalls Coaching Interview
Before Sunday’s game, New Orleans interim coach James Borrego reflected on being a finalist for the Lakers’ head-coaching vacancy last summer, calling the experience “surreal” for a childhood fan of the franchise. The Lakers ultimately hired Redick.
Source: Hoops Rumors
