TITLE: Lakers Rule Out Doncic, James, Reaves and Smart for Tuesday Matchup With Spurs
SLUG: lakers-rule-out-doncic-james-reaves-smart-vs-spurs
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without four starters when they face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. The club’s latest injury report lists Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), LeBron James (left foot arthritis), Austin Reaves (left calf injury management) and Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) as out.
Deandre Ayton is questionable with right knee soreness, while Adou Thiero has been cleared to play for the first time since a right MCL sprain sidelined him in late December.
Second Night of a Back-to-Back
Tuesday’s contest is the second half of a back-to-back set and the Lakers’ next-to-last game before the All-Star break. The organization is opting for caution, giving its key players additional rest as the midpoint of the season approaches.
Doncic Nursing Hamstring Strain
Doncic suffered his hamstring injury during the second quarter of last week’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. He has missed the past two games, a split in which Los Angeles defeated the Golden State Warriors but fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The guard is eager to suit up Thursday against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, yet the club is unlikely to rush him back if discomfort remains. Doncic has already been named an All-Star starter.
James Hits 18 Games Missed
James’ absence Tuesday will be his 18th of the season, exceeding the maximum required to remain eligible for regular-season awards such as All-NBA honors.
Opportunities for Reserve Unit
With four starters sidelined, head coach Darvin Ham is expected to lean more heavily on Thiero, Kobe Bufkin, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Reaves Hopes for Quick Return From Doncic
Reaves said he spoke briefly with Doncic at halftime of the game in which the hamstring strain occurred. “I asked if he was OK, and he kind of just looked at me,” Reaves recalled. “Hopefully it’s nothing major. We need him. He’s our best player and the engine of a lot of stuff that we do.”
If Doncic is unable to play against Dallas on Thursday, the upcoming All-Star break would give him a full week to recover.
Source: LakersNation.com
