The injury-plagued Los Angeles Lakers received more bad news as Luka Doncic was ruled out for Friday’s crucial game against the Denver Nuggets, the second night of a back-to-back and the final game of their four-game road trip.
Doncic’s absence was attributed to left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain. He had tied his season-high with 45 points on Thursday, March 13, in Milwaukee, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Lakers from suffering their third consecutive loss. The Bucks overwhelmed the short-handed Lakers 126-106. A loss in this game, combined with a Houston Rockets win over the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks, would drop the Lakers to fifth place in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The Lakers’ injury woes extend beyond Doncic, with Gabe Vincent (left knee injury management) and Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) listed as doubtful for the Nuggets game. Trey Jemison III (illness) is also questionable. In addition, they are already missing key players from their frontcourt: LeBron James (left groin strain), Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy), and Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion).
Given their numerous injuries, the Lakers are 6.0-point underdogs against the Nuggets.
The Lakers are in a tough spot, with their top players dealing with injuries during one of their toughest stretches of the season, playing six games in eight days. Doncic acknowledged the challenge after the loss in Milwaukee, emphasizing the importance of recovery and staying focused despite the tough circumstances.
The Lakers’ losing streak began with James’ groin injury in Boston, which forced him to miss time. The team is relying on the cushion created by their earlier strong play to stay competitive.
Following this difficult road trip, the Lakers face another tough schedule at home with back-to-back games against the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs, followed by two more back-to-backs against the Nuggets and Bucks.
Coach JJ Redick will need big performances from players like Austin Reaves, who will be expected to replicate his career-high 45-point performance from last month’s upset win over the Pacers. The team will also rely on Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Jordan Goodwin, and Shake Milton, with additional support from Christian Koloko, Markieff Morris, Alex Len, Bronny James, and Cam Reddish.
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