The Los Angeles Lakers will have Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura available when they face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, the team confirmed.
Doncic, listed with left hamstring soreness, continues a remarkable stretch that has vaulted him into the MVP discussion. Over his past 10 games, the All-Star guard is averaging 39.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.4 steals, scoring at least 30 points in 11 consecutive outings. He poured in 43 points during Wednesday’s win over the Indiana Pacers, helping Los Angeles secure the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed entering Friday’s action.
Hachimura (right calf injury management) returns after missing two games. The forward has been the Lakers’ most reliable scorer off the bench and ranks among the league’s top three-point shooters.
Smart, Thiero Still Sidelined
Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) will miss his third straight game, while rookie Adou Thiero (left knee soreness) sits for the second contest in a row. Both were ruled out Thursday night. Smart remains the team’s defensive anchor, and the Lakers plan to be cautious with his return ahead of the postseason.
The injuries open additional minutes for Jake LaRavia, who is expected to stay in the starting lineup as the primary perimeter defender. Veteran Jarred Vanderbilt should also see an expanded role, and rookie Bronny James could receive another opportunity after contributing in Indiana.
Additional Notes
Starting center Deandre Ayton is no longer on the injury report after missing the Pacers game, sending Jaxson Hayes back to a reserve role. The Nets arrive in Los Angeles with the NBA’s second-worst record and a nine-game losing streak.
Earlier this week, Doncic became the first player since Michael Jordan to average more than 40 points on a six-game road trip, scoring 40.7 points per contest as the Lakers went 5-1.
Source: Lakers Nation
