JJ Redick, Lakers
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Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play.
The Los Angeles Lakers received a late boost ahead of Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls after LeBron James was cleared to play, but the team’s injury situation remains a key storyline as it prepares for a looming showdown with the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
James, who had been listed as questionable with a right hip contusion and lingering left foot arthritis, was made available shortly before tipoff against Chicago. The 41-year-old had missed the previous three games after suffering the hip injury during the Lakers’ March 5 loss to Denver.
While his availability helps stabilize the lineup in the short term, Los Angeles still faces significant uncertainty in the frontcourt heading into the weekend.
Lakers Hope Marcus Smart Returns for Nuggets Game
Head coach JJ Redick revealed before Thursday’s game that the Lakers are optimistic veteran guard Marcus Smart could return in time for Saturday’s rematch with Denver.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick said the team hopes Smart will be available after missing Thursday’s contest with a right hip contusion.
“JJ Redick says the team hopes to have Marcus Smart (hip) available against Denver on Saturday,” McMenamin wrote on X before tipoff.
Smart’s potential return would be significant for Los Angeles as it prepares to face a Nuggets team led by MVP center Nikola Jokić. The veteran guard played a key defensive role in the Lakers’ recent win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with eight points, two steals, two rebounds and one assist in 31 minutes while posting a plus-14 rating.
Frontcourt Depth Still Uncertain
Even with James available, the Lakers remain thin in the frontcourt.
Backup centers Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber were both ruled out against Chicago due to back injuries.
Redick said Hayes recently underwent imaging on his back and the team is awaiting the results, leaving his status for Saturday’s game uncertain.
Kleber, meanwhile, is expected to miss additional time as he deals with what the Lakers described as a recurring lumbar issue.
Those absences place additional responsibility on starting center Deandre Ayton and defensive forward Jarred Vanderbilt as Los Angeles prepares for a physically demanding matchup against Denver’s frontcourt.
Dončić, Reaves Fuel Lakers’ Recent Surge
Despite the injuries, the Lakers have continued to build momentum.
Los Angeles extended its winning streak to three games Tuesday with a 120–106 victory over Minnesota, powered by a dominant performance from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The backcourt duo scored 31 points each, combining for 62 points to lead the Lakers’ offense.
That win pushed Los Angeles to 40–25 on the season, tying the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
With the playoff race tightening, the Lakers’ health could prove crucial over the next few games. Much of that focus will turn quickly to Saturday’s rematch with Denver — a matchup that could feature the return of Smart and serve as another measuring stick for a Lakers team that has surged despite recent injuries.