The Lakers’ shaky season continues. Despite the hot start, their momentum has taken a massive jolt as they are currently ranked tenth in the West. Moreover, they have faced defeat in three of their last five games. And they are hoping to turn things around as they face the Kings tomorrow. Unfortunately, they might have to do it without their two superstars as LeBron James and Anthony Davis find themselves on the injury report for the road encounter.
Yes, after his dominant 40-point performance on Sunday, AD is probable to play tomorrow. The reason? Left plantar fasciitis. Well, the big man has been dealing with this lingering injury for quite some time. However, he’s been playing through it on most occasions and has only missed 1 game so far. Moreover, The Brow has been a dominant force, averaging 27.8 points and over eleven rebounds.
Obviously, his status for tomorrow’s game is extremely crucial, especially because LeBron James might also sit out. He is questionable to play with left foot injury management, set up for the veteran. It was on Sunday that he returned from a two-game hiatus dealing with a foot injury. But he is back on the IR once again. Despite his age, the 22-season hoopster is having a more than solid year, averaging 22.8 points and over nine assists. So, his absence will surely leave a massive void.
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Lakers list LeBron as questionable for tomorrow against the Kings pic.twitter.com/O13zbPTeMF
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) December 19, 2024
Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain), Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood (surgery recovery) have already been ruled out.
On the Kings’ side, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray did not participate in today’s practice, leaving their status undetermined for the next game. Moreover, Kevin Huerter was also a partial participant after missing the last game due to a shoulder sprain.
Lakers and Kings’ Depth Chart
With AD and LeBron’s availability uncertain, this is what the Lakers’ depth chart looks like:
Position | Starters | 2nd | 3rd |
PG | Austin Reaves | D’Angelo Russell | Quincy Olivari |
SG | Max Christie | Gabe Vincent | Maxwell Lewis |
SF | Rui Hachimura | Dalton Knecht | Armel Traore |
PF | LeBron James (Q) | Cam Reddish | |
C | Anthony Davis (P) | Christian Koloko |
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If the two superstars suit up, the starting lineup is likely to remain the same as the last game because it proved successful against the Grizzlies. Max Christie has been doing a solid job since becoming a starter. However, the length problem could haunt JJ Redick’s squad once again, with Jaxson Hayes out.
On the other hand, the Kings’ depth chart will depend a lot on Sabonis, Huerter, and Murray’s availability, as they are all day-to-day:
Position | Starters | 2nd | 3rd |
PG | De’Aaron Fox | Kevin Huerter (DD) | Jordan McLaughlin |
SG | Malik Monk | Keon Tyrese Ellis | Jae Crowder |
SF | DeMar DeRozan | Colby Jones | Orlando Robinson |
PF | Keegan Murray (DD) | Doug McDermott | Alex Len |
C | Domantas Sabonis (DD) | Isaac Jones |
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The Kings could get a massive boost as there is optimism that Trey Lyles could finally return to action. He logged a full practice today after missing over three weeks of action due to a calf injury. Obviously, his presence would give the Kings more depth.
Well, the last time these two sides met back in October, AD broke the curse by getting his career’s first win against Domantas Sabonis. One win in eleven clashes! Surely, he and the Lakers would hope to continue that momentum and get another win against Sactown, this time on the road. So, whose side are you on?
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