The Los Angeles Lakers have issued their injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks. LeBron James is listed as questionable due to a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis. Maxi Kleber is also questionable with a lumbar back strain. Deandre Ayton, who was dealing with left knee soreness, has been cleared to play.
Both James and Ayton sustained injuries during Thursday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets and missed Friday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Head coach JJ Redick indicated that neither injury appeared serious, and Ayton’s availability confirms his quick recovery. However, James’ participation remains uncertain for Sunday’s contest.
Kleber has missed two games because of his back issue. An MRI showed no significant damage, so he continues to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
The Lakers have faced challenges this season when competing against top teams in the league and are aiming to field their full roster for this important game against the Knicks. With several difficult games remaining on their schedule, a win on Sunday could be significant for building momentum toward the end of the regular season.
Ayton’s return provides needed size for the team, while the status of James and Kleber will continue to be monitored.
LeBron James recently set an NBA record for most made field goals. Reflecting on this achievement, he said: “At the end of the day, just my name being linked to some of the greatest that have ever played this game has always been humbling and it’s a pretty cool thing. I grew up watching, reading, idolizing a lot of the greats. If I was ever able to be a [part] of the NBA, I wanted to put myself in position where I could be named with some of the greats by doing something right. So that’s pretty cool.”
