
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 26, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 26, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After being crowned the In-Season tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers will return to standard regular season games. They face the Dallas Mavericks later tonight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavs would provide a stern test for the Lakers, but LA will be buoyed by their recent In-Season tournament triumph. The Mavericks would also miss the services of star man Kyrie Irving, but the Lakers still have to deal with Luka Doncic.
However, the Lakers are facing injury troubles of their own. After being honored with the NBA Cup MVP, LeBron James’ availability for tonight’s game remains uncertain.
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LeBron questionable for tonight’s game against the Mavs
The Lakers fanbase has been hit by some worrying injury news. After securing the first NBA Cup title, both Anthony Davis and LeBron have been listed as questionable for tonight’s game. LeBron is currently nursing a left calf contusion. Whereas AD has suffered an injury to his left abductor. The Lakers would also miss the services of Jarred Vanderbilt (lower back spasm), Gabe Vincent (knee), and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino (lower back spasm).
Anthony Davis and Jared Vanderbilt join LeBron James on the “questionable” list for Tuesday’s game in Dallas. No Jalen Hood-Schifino pic.twitter.com/WwehowF7m6
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 12, 2023
However, there’s some good news for Lakers fans, as recruit Gabe Vincent is on the verge of returning. According to the Athletics’ Shams Charania, “Guard Gabe Vincent is hopeful for a return as soon as Dec. 18 for the Lakers’ home game against the Knicks, according to league sources.” Vincent has played just four games for the Lakers.
The Dallas Mavericks are also missing several key players due to injuries. Derrick Jones Jr. has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to a bruised quadriceps. Whereas, the Mavs have ruled out Tim Hardaway Jr. due to back spasms. But Grant Williams has been declared fit to play after missing Dallas’ last match due to a knee injury.
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Predicted Lineups: Mavs vs Lakers
The game will be finely poised, as both teams have had strong starts to the season. Both teams are on a three-game winning streak. However, the Mavs have a slight edge over the Lakers because the game is being played in their backyard. The Mavs would aim to continue their good form and further cement their position as one of the top teams in the division. They could start the game with Luka Dončić, Seth Curry, Grant Williams, Dante Exum, and Dereck Lively II.
The Lakers have ambitions of winning the NBA title. However, the Lakers have their work cut out due to the long injury list. Nevertheless, the Lakers still possess some talented players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura in their ranks. The Lakers could line up with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Rui Hachimura.
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Who are your favorites for winning this game? Let us know in the comments.
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