LeBron James’ return to the Lakers lineup is still up in the air heading into Thursday’s game against the Bulls.
On Wednesday’s injury report, LeBron is listed as questionable yet again. He is still listed with both a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis.
The addition to the injury report is Marcus Smart, who is listed as doubtful with a right hip contusion.
LeBron has
missed the last three games after initially injuring his elbow against the Nuggets. However, it’s his foot that has kept him out of recent games. The hip contusion is an entirely new injury that only surfaced during his absence.
Jaxson Hayes was a very late scratch for Tuesday’s game against the Wolves but looks set to return to the lineup. Maxi Kleber, however, is still listed as questionable with a back strain. He has also been dealing with back soreness for multiple games.
Smart’s addition is entirely new. After injuries in recent years that limited his availability, he has played in 41 of the Lakers’ last 42 games. In short, injuries have not been nearly as much of an issue this season.
Thursday’s opponent in the Bulls have been one of the worst teams in the league since the trade deadline. They did not win a game in February and have just three wins since late January.
But taking anyone lightly in the NBA can result in a loss, something the Lakers have learned firsthand this year. Fortunately, it’s not been a trait they’ve had of late, so regardless of who is available, the Lakers should be able to still take care of business.
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