LA Lakers Injury Report: Update Before Portland Clash
The LA Lakers are likely to have key players Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes back for their rematch against the Portland Trail Blazers, while LeBron James and Deandre Ayton still face injury questions.
Upcoming Match Details
The Lakers will face the Trail Blazers again on Monday, November 4. This marks their second back-to-back meeting with Portland this season.
Previous Encounter Recap
In their first meeting on October 27, the Lakers were missing several key players including Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, and Adou Thiero. LA lost 122-108 largely due to these absences.
Players Returning from Injury
- Luka Doncic missed three games because of a left finger and leg injury.
- Marcus Smart was out for two games with a quad injury.
- Jaxson Hayes missed three games due to a knee issue.
All three have returned to play in recent games and have not been listed on the injury report during the Lakers' 130-120 win against the Miami Heat.
Other Player Updates
- Austin Reaves has played in every game this season and remains injury-free, making him likely to appear in the upcoming game.
- Deandre Ayton, the Lakers' major offseason signing, is uncertain after missing the recent game due to back spasms experienced in the previous match against the Grizzlies. He missed the second half of Friday’s 117-112 victory.
"The trio could be available for the clash as none of them were placed on the injury report in Sunday's win against the Heat and wrapped the game without any issues."
LeBron James remains an injury concern but no new updates have been released.
Summary
Key players are returning just as the Lakers face Portland again, but injuries to LeBron James and Deandre Ayton could impact their lineup.
Author's Summary
The Lakers look stronger with returning players ahead of their Portland rematch, though injury doubts around LeBron James and Ayton persist.