The Los Angeles Lakers are sitting strong as the third seed in the Western Conference. The goal for the remaining games of the year is to get healthy and hold onto the third seed, with the Denver Nuggets only a game and a half behind. Health and consistency will be key for JJ Redick’s men, having been severely short-handed in their latest win over the Indiana Pacers without three key role players: Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton.
Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton Missing Games Due to Injury
To hold off the red-hot Nuggets, the Lakers need to take care of business against the lottery-bound and uncompetitive Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.
However, the remainder of the schedule is significantly tougher, with two games against the reigning NBA champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and then James Harden’s Cleveland Cavaliers, not to mention the talented Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The Utah Jazz also have plenty of young talent to cause a headache or two for a contender.
The Nets are heading to La La Land on Friday night. The latest injury report sheds light on who the Lakers will have available for this game, especially the statuses of Hachimura, Smart, and Ayton, all of whom missed the previous win against the Indiana Pacers.
According to the latest injury report, all three were ruled out for their last game. However, they are potentially available for the game against the Nets.
Hachimura has been struggling with right calf soreness, which flared up over the weekend during their game against the Orlando Magic, leading to him missing their last two games. He is currently aiming to return for the Nets.
Ayton also missed the Pacers game, having been downgraded to out due to back soreness. Smart, who also missed the Pacers game, was ruled out while managing a right ankle contusion. Also missing from their previous win over the Pacers was Adou Thiero, who was out with left knee soreness.
Despite being severely short-handed, the Lakers have maintained consistent form, winning 10 of 11 games. Admittedly, much of it is due to the unbelievable scoring exploits of Luka Dončić, who must seriously be knocking on the door for the league MVP this year.
Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 39.1 points, with a 60-point game, a 50-point game, and two 40-point games in that span. He’s been incredible. If his co-stars can stay healthy around him, the Lakers should feel good about holding on for a top-three seed in the West.
