The upcoming game against the Jazz is the Lakers‘ last match-up before the All-Star pause. The LA community will be thrilled because the team has achieved six consecutive victories along with the news of Luka Doncic recently joining their roster. Emotional wounds of losing AD remain fresh, amidst injuries affecting LeBron James and the Slovenian after the recent blockbuster trade.

What makes this game even more interesting? The Lakers just crushed Utah 132-113 two days ago. The King dropped 24, and Luka had a solid first outing, so now the question is: Can they close out the first half of the season with another dominant display? A lot of that depends on the injury report—and, of course, whether Luka gets the green light to suit up.

Injury Report: Key Lakers Players’ Status Ahead of Jazz Rematch

So, the latest injury update is a mix of good news and, well, uncertainty. The good? LeBron (left ankle soreness) and Austin Reaves (left elbow contusion) are both listed as probable. Translation: They should be good to go unless something unexpected happens.

Luka, though? That’s a different story. He’s still questionable with a left calf strain, so there’s a real chance he might have to sit this one out. And then an unexpected name pops up—Bronny James. He’s also questionable with a left forearm muscle strain.

As for the rest of the squad: Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle soreness), Maxi Kleber (recovering from foot surgery), Cam Reddish (personal reasons), and Gabe Vincent (left knee soreness) are all out. That definitely hurts, especially on the defensive end. But on the bright side, Dalton Knecht and newly acquired Alex Len are fully available, so at least the Lakers have some reinforcements ready.

Bottom line? If Luka Doncic doesn’t play, it’s going to put more pressure on LeBron, Reaves, and the rest of the crew to handle business. Here’s a look at their depth chart.

LeBron & Luka: What to Expect in Round Two

Luka’s first game as a Laker wasn’t some mind-blowing affair, but the former Mavs talisman showed exactly why this trade has people buzzing. He finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists—not great from deep (1-for-7 on threes), but his impact was clear. And that chemistry with LeBron? Already showing flashes, especially on that ridiculous full-court pass for a fast-break layup.

JJ Redick was impressed, too. “I think he handled it well. Knowing Luka, whether he will admit it or not, there was probably a little bit of nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time… He kind of gets that, he sees that.” The head coach also made a point to mention how Luka wasn’t out there trying to force anything—just playing smart, unselfish basketball.

The biggest question heading into this matchup remains Luka Doncic’s status. If he takes the court, the Lakers will look to ramp up their offensive aggression, leaning into his elite playmaking to elevate the team’s ball movement.

However, Doncic’s ‘fit’ with LeBron is still a work in progress.

If Doncic sits, the Lakers will stick to a more familiar game plan. LeBron will take charge, and Reaves will step into a bigger play-making role. AR has quietly been one of LA’s best secondary creators, averaging 6.1 assists per game. His quick decision-making will be key if Doncic is out. On defense, Vanderbilt’s absence still hurts. Without him, the Lakers will need to rely on their offense to outscore Utah.

The Jazz, on the other hand, have struggled against high-IQ ball handlers. In their last game, they allowed the Lakers to shoot 54.3% from the field. James, Reaves, and Hachimura had their way. So, whether Doncic plays or not, Utah has to adjust defensively to avoid another blowout.