The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their injury report ahead of Monday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Marcus Smart will remain sidelined due to lower back injury management, while LeBron James is set to return after missing one game.
Monday’s matchup comes on the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers, following their win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. The team may face fatigue as they take on Phoenix.
James’ return is expected to provide a boost, but Smart’s absence could impact the team’s defense as they try to contain Suns guard Devin Booker. The Lakers are currently aiming for their eighth consecutive victory and have been performing well recently, coinciding with improved team health and chemistry. However, head coach JJ Redick noted there is still room for growth. He pointed out that the team eased up during their previous game against a depleted Pelicans squad, resulting in a closer contest than anticipated.
The game against Phoenix marks the beginning of a stretch where Los Angeles will play five straight games against opponents with winning records. This sequence is seen as an important test for the team’s progress.
LeBron James did not participate in Sunday’s game as part of a cautious approach early in the season, given he missed a full training camp. Once fully conditioned, James is expected to be available for back-to-back games.
“We’re gonna build him up hopefully to be able to play in back-to-backs, that’s the goal,” head coach JJ Redick said. “But you are correct, every back-to-back is a case by case basis. That’s just the reality of the NBA right now. But we want him to be able to play in back-to-backs and so does he, so we’re gonna work towards that.”
With James approaching his 41st birthday and entering his 23rd NBA season, the Lakers plan to manage his workload during the regular season to keep him healthy for potential playoff runs. Nonetheless, James has indicated he is willing to play consecutive games when necessary.
