The Los Angeles Lakers will head into Monday night’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers without seven rotation players, including guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent.
Smart, sidelined by a right quadriceps contusion, and Vincent, dealing with a left ankle sprain, were added to an injury report that already listed Luka Doncic (left finger sprain, left leg contusion), LeBron James (right sciatica), Jaxson Hayes (left patellar tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) and Adou Thiero (recovery from left knee surgery). None of the seven will be available at Crypto.com Arena.
Vincent exited Sunday’s win in Sacramento during the third quarter and left Golden 1 Center in a walking boot, while Smart’s bruise is considered less severe. Their absences leave Los Angeles with only six regulars—Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James—plus two-way players Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mańon and Christian Koloko.
Reaves carried the offense Sunday by pouring in a career-best 51 points along with 11 rebounds and nine assists. The Lakers may again lean on the third-year guard against a Portland squad featuring three-time All-Defensive First Team selection Jrue Holiday and last season’s Second Team honoree Toumani Camara.
Tipoff for the second night of the Lakers’ back-to-back is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Source: Lakers Nation
