Los Angeles Lists Luka Doncic, LeBron James as Active; Jaxson Hayes Sidelined Against Hawks
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The Los Angeles Lakers cleared both Luka Doncic and LeBron James for Tuesday night’s home matchup with the Atlanta Hawks, the club announced shortly before tip-off. Center Jaxson Hayes has been ruled out.
Doncic, who was managing left groin soreness, and James, dealing with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, had been labeled questionable on the initial injury report. After completing pregame warm-ups at Crypto.com Arena, each was upgraded to available.
The decision comes on the second night of a back-to-back set. Doncic required in-game treatment during Monday’s loss in Sacramento and appeared a candidate for precautionary rest. James had not participated in both halves of any back-to-back this season while the medical staff monitored his workload during his 23rd NBA campaign.
Hayes will sit with left hamstring soreness. His absence further trims a frontcourt already missing Austin Reaves, who remains out with a left calf strain.
With the roster still thin, head coach JJ Redick is expected to lean on Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent for extended minutes. Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. has also been part of the rotation in recent weeks, and rookie wing Dalton Knecht could see increased time as the team searches for scoring help.
Forward Rui Hachimura, active Monday but unused, is set to return from a calf issue on a minutes restriction of roughly 18.
Los Angeles enters the contest on a three-game skid and ranks near the bottom of the league in three-point accuracy—an area Redick said has become “a theme” this season. The availability of Doncic and James offers a critical boost as the Lakers look to halt their slide.
Source: Lakers Nation
