JJ Redick, Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick looks down on the floor.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be significantly shorthanded in the frontcourt when they look to extend their winning streak against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Several key rotation players have been ruled out or remain uncertain heading into the matchup, potentially forcing coach JJ Redick to lean heavily on the team’s remaining depth.
According to the NBA’s official injury report, backup centers Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) have both been downgraded to out. At the same time, defensive veteran Marcus Smart will also miss the game with a right hip contusion.
Meanwhile, LeBron James remains questionable with a right hip contusion and lingering left foot arthritis, leaving the Lakers’ lineup uncertain ahead of the contest.
Lakers Injury Report Leaves Frontcourt Thin vs. Bulls
Hayes, Kleber and James were all unavailable during the Lakers’ impressive 120–106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, a win that pushed Los Angeles’ streak to three games.
Smart, however, played a key role in that victory before later being ruled out for Thursday’s matchup.
The former Defensive Player of the Year logged 31 minutes, finishing with eight points, two steals, two rebounds and one assist without committing a turnover. Smart shot 3-of-7 from the field and posted a plus-14 rating, underscoring his defensive impact and leadership.
With Smart unavailable against Chicago, the Lakers will likely rely on additional minutes from newly acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard and versatile wing Jake LaRavia.
Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia Expected to See Bigger Roles
Kennard, whom the Lakers acquired at the trade deadline, delivered a solid performance against Minnesota.
The 29-year-old guard scored 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 26 minutes, adding two rebounds, two assists and one block despite missing both of his three-point attempts. Kennard still finished plus-two during his time on the floor.
LaRavia struggled with efficiency but contributed across the stat sheet.
He shot 1-of-7 from the field, yet still finished plus-13 in 25 minutes, recording eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in an active all-around effort off the bench.
Both players could play even larger roles Thursday as the Lakers adjust to multiple absences.
Deandre Ayton Anchoring Lakers’ Short-Handed Frontcourt
With Hayes and Kleber sidelined, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth will be tested.
Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to continue backing up starting center Deandre Ayton, while rookie big man Drew Timme could also see additional minutes.
Vanderbilt finished with four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes against Minnesota.
Timme, meanwhile, knocked down a three-pointer during a brief three-minute appearance, providing a small glimpse of the offensive versatility the Lakers may need from their reserve bigs.
Ayton delivered a strong performance in Tuesday’s victory, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, along with two assists and one steal in 34 minutes.
The Lakers also outscored Minnesota by 10 points while Ayton was on the floor, highlighting his growing impact in the lineup.
LeBron James’ Status Remains Key for Lakers
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has missed the last three games.
James’ availability remains the biggest storyline heading into Thursday’s matchup.
The 41-year-old All-Star has missed three consecutive games after suffering a right hip contusion during the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 5. He has also been managing left foot arthritis, an issue that has lingered since January.
Although James has gone through pregame shooting routines before each of the past three games, he has yet to clear the final step necessary to return to action.
“We obviously want him in the lineup,” Redick said before Tuesday’s win. “When we were kind of approaching this stretch and you see the six days in eight nights and two back-to-backs last week, you never know how his body is going to respond to a game and how his foot is going to respond.
“So it’s not to say I expected him to miss a game — it just wouldn’t have surprised me if he needed a day or two to get his body right.”
Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves Leading Lakers’ Offensive Surge
If James remains sidelined, the Lakers will continue leaning heavily on Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to carry the offense.
The duo delivered a spectacular performance in Tuesday’s victory, scoring 31 points each to power the Lakers past the Timberwolves.
Their offensive production has helped keep Los Angeles climbing in the Western Conference standings.
With the win, the Lakers improved to 40–25, tying the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Now, despite a depleted rotation, the Lakers will attempt to extend their momentum against Chicago while awaiting further clarity on James’ status.