The Los Angeles Lakers will likely be shorthanded again when they meet the Boston Celtics on Friday night. The club’s latest injury report lists LeBron James as doubtful because of right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis, while Luka Doncic (personal) and Marcus Smart (left lumbar muscle strain) have been ruled out.
Doncic to Miss Second Straight Contest
Friday will be Doncic’s second consecutive absence and his sixth missed game of the season. Multiple reports indicate the guard returned to Slovenia for the birth of his second child. The NBA’s current scoring leader is averaging 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists.
James Still Managing Back-to-Backs
James has not appeared in both ends of a back-to-back since rejoining the lineup earlier this season, and the team continues to manage his workload carefully. The 40-year-old forward saw his record 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak end Thursday in Toronto when he passed to Rui Hachimura for the game-winning corner three.
Smart Sidelined for Fifth Straight Game
Smart, who spent nine seasons in Boston, will miss his fifth game in a row due to a back issue now classified as a left lumbar muscle strain. The veteran guard’s defensive energy has been a key part of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.
Reaves Expected to Shoulder the Load
With James doubtful and Doncic out, Austin Reaves is again expected to lead the offense. The fourth-year guard is averaging a career-best 28.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists, and is coming off a 44-point effort in Thursday’s 124-119 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
Redick turned to rookie Adou Thiero and two-way player Nick Smith Jr. in Toronto, and both are likely to see minutes in Boston. The coach also noted that Jarred Vanderbilt or Bronny James, both recently out of the rotation, could be options if additional defensive help is needed.
Tipoff at TD Garden is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Source: Lakers Nation
