Lakers Injury Report: Will LeBron James and Anthony Davis Play Tonight vs the Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto. Arena tonight. The Lakers currently have LeBron James on the injury report. Adding to injury woes, Anthony Davis also got injured while leading the defensive charge for the Lakers against Milwaukee in a nail-biting victory.

James has been dealing with an ankle injury for a long time now. While he has played in most games in spite of it, his ankle continues to be a concern. LeBron James averages 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season. LBJ is currently listed as a probable prospect in the match and is evaluated every day by trainers. The Lakers were able to win the match without James but it was hard hard-fought one. D’Angelo Russell‘s match-winning performance led them to victory.

Anthony Davis played in the match despite an ongoing Achilles issue but ended up hurting his shoulder in a collision with Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Bucks game. He was able to finish the game but his limited interaction in the final moments almost led to a catastrophic loss. Davis would be important for the Lakers to stop Rudy Gobert from scoring.

The Lakers are already going to be without Colin Castleton (right wrist fracture), Jarred Vanderbilt (right midfoot sprain), Gabe Vincent (left knee surgery), and Christian Wood (left knee effusion) for the game. Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) is listed as a probable

On the other hand, Minnesota added to its already lengthy injury report by listing Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson as questionable. Gobert is dealing with right hamstring tightness and Anderson is listed with right shoulder pain. The Timberwolves had already ruled Monte Morris out due to left hamstring tightness and listed Anthony Edwards as questionable for the game with left ankle soreness. And they’re also without Karl-Anthony Towns, who will miss a third straight game with a torn meniscus.

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While the Lakers successfully toppled a top NBA team without King James, AD’s loss will further sting the team. Most importantly, LAL will have to be at the top of their game to remain an active playoff contender.

The Lakers lineup if LBJ steps on the hardwood

The Lakers are currently the ninth-seeded team in the Western Conference. They have won 6 out of their last 10 games. The Lakers are currently in a fight for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. They have scored 117.2 points per game which is overall 10th in the league. While LBJ may come off the bench, Darvin Ham may choose to rest Davis due to his dual-injury status. This is how they could line up: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Spencer Dinwiddie, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.

The Timberwolves are the second-seeded team in the Western Conference and boast an amazing record of 44-20. They have won 6 out of their last 10 games. They haven’t been good offensively but their defense has been strongest among all teams this season. Timberwolves have scored 113.2 points per game. But they have allowed only 106.6 points per game this season which is the best overall in the whole league. This is how they could line up: Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley, and Kyle Anderson.

This will be the third meeting between these two teams this season and the first at Crypto.com Arena. The Timberwolves won both of the previous meetings. The Lakers find themselves in an interesting situation, with LeBron James and Davis’ status uncertain, the team’s playoff hopes could be affected. Other players will need to step up in their absence. Timberwolves will have a chance to solidify their rank. The success of the Lakers will depend on whether their remaining healthy players can step up and whether James or Davis can manage their injuries enough to contribute meaningfully.

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