The most predictable schedule loss is turning out exactly as you’d expect.
After playing the Thunder on Monday in the first game of three in four nights, the Lakers are resting basically everybody against
the Spurs on the second night of the back-to-back.
In the injury report released on Tuesday afternoon, the Lakers listed LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart all as out. Deandre Ayton is listed as questionable.
The most notable bit of news from this is that, in missing this game, LeBron is no longer eligible for postseason awards, meaning his streak of All-NBA appearances will end. It’s been a year of streaks coming to an end for him as his double-digit scoring streak was also snapped this season.
Luka’s inclusion among those out is not a surprise. Even as he’s considered day-to-day, it was unlikely this would be the game he returns, especially when everyone else was going to be out.
Similarly, it’s not a surprise Austin is included as he’s still working his way back from his calf strain. He has remained under a minutes restriction in his game so far. Naturally, it was expected he wasn’t going to play in a back-to-back.
As for Smart, he’s missed games sparingly throughout the season, often on a back-to-back. This isn’t out of the ordinary and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him suit back up on Thursday against the Mavericks.
Ayton’s inclusion isn’t a shock either. He missed Saturday’s game against the Warriors with a knee injury, so, again, it’s not unexpected that he sits out this back-to-back.
Each of these absences, as you can see, makes sense for reasons other than “they’re on the second night of a back-to-back after playing the best team in the NBA,” though that’s also a fair rationale.
The Lakers did win a game earlier this season while severely undermanned, but that was against a pretty mediocre Blazers team. Pulling off that feat against one of the league’s best teams feels unlikely.
So, if you want to take this opportunity on Tuesday to go out for dinner and catch a movie, check Silver Screen & Roll for the recap and coverage of the game.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
