Lakers Get Encouraging LeBron James Injury Update Before Suns Game
The Lakers are getting two key players for their game against the Suns, as LeBron James and Marcus Smart suit up.
The Los Angeles Lakers are getting two key players for their game against the Phoenix Suns, as LeBron James and Marcus Smart suit up for the second game of a back-to-back. James has been typically resting during back-to-backs, but he is going to play for the first time in a while. He has also been battling a hand injury, though it is seemingly fine enough to play on Friday.
Smart, on the other hand, had been on the shelf for eight straight games with an ankle injury. However, he will be returning, giving the lineup a defensive boost and a secondary ballhandler. The Lakers need Smart and James with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic out for the remainder of the regular season and the start of the postseason.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) walks off the court after the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Los Angeles is still battling for playoff seeding, tied with the Houston Rockets entering their game against the Suns. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker over the Rockets, which is the defining factor in the playoff race since both teams are headed for a first-round match-up.
With a win on Friday, the Lakers get closer to securing home court advantage, and without either Reaves or Doncic, they need all of the help that they can get in the postseason early on. Notable Lakers injuries Luke Kennard is dealing with a left finger injury, which has him listed as questionable. Considering how vital he is to the offense in the absence of the two offensive engines, the Lakers will likely push the former Duke guard to play if he can.