Is Christian Wood Returning for Game 3? LeBron James and Others’ Availability in Lakers’ Injury Report

Two days ago, Jamal Murray shattered the dreams of the Los Angeles Lakers by hitting a game-winning jump shot on Anthony Davis. Now that the Lakers are down 0-2 in the series, LeBron James and Co. are back in LA for the next two games, hoping to bounce back in tomorrow’s Game 3. Spirits were high as they hoped to see Christian Wood back in the lineup after an over 2-month hiatus. But their latest injury report raises massive concerns for the Purple & Gold.

In a disappointing turn of events, Christian Wood will not be available to play against the Nuggets tomorrow. Now that is because he has still not completely recovered from the arthroscopic surgery on his left knee that he underwent in March. With that, Wood’s lengthy absence continues as he has not played since February 14 because of a knee injury. And that is a massive setback for the Lakers. Only a few days ago, Shams Charania left the Laker Nation elated after he tweeted that Wood planned to return to the lineup for Game 3.

But it looks like the Lakers will have to wait a little longer to see their three and D guy back in action. With his 6 foot 8 214lbs frame, Wood could play a key role in stopping Denver’s big lineup. Even in the regular season, he had a major impact on the Lakers’ success, averaging nearly 7 points and 5 rebounds as a backup to Anthony Davis. And the Lakers could use Wood’s lockdown defense to contain Jokic, Gordon, and MPJ’s offensive wrath.

More concerns for the Los Angeles Lakers

As it turns out, Christian Wood’s unavailability is not the only problem the Lakers face ahead of Game 3. That is because three other players will miss tomorrow’s crucial encounter, including Jalen Hood-Schifino (lumbar disc surgery), Jarred Vanderbilt (right midfoot sprain), and Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain). What’s important is that all these players are 6’6 or taller and could have been beneficial in the Denver series.

On top of that, the Lakers’ superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are also not at their 100%. Still dealing with his lingering left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, LeBron’s status for Game 3 is probable. His co-star AD joins him with the same status dealing with lower back soreness. Despite giving it their all in Games 1 and 2, LeBron and AD returned home without a win. While James had a combined 53 points in both games, AD put up 32 points each in both encounters. But that was not enough to keep the defending Champions at bay.

The Lakers might be wondering what more they need to do to get at least one win against the Nuggets. With Monday’s loss, the Lakers extended their embarrassing losing streak against the Nuggets to ten games. And if they do not win at home tomorrow, their season might soon be over. Hopefully, LeBron and AD feel fit to play in Game 3 and give the Lakers some fighting chance to keep their season alive.