Smart (ankle) and Hachimura (calf) are both out vs. Detroit.
Facing the Detroit Pistons on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves significantly shorthanded against the best team in the Eastern Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
As announced, Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) and Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness) won't be playing in Detroit for the Lakers.
In his pregame speech (h/t Dave McMenamin of ESPN), head coach JJ Redick revealed that Smart is unavailable on a day-to-day basis. The veteran has been dealing with a right hip issue during the team's win against the Orlando Magic, and subsequently sustained his ankle injury due to a collision with Goga Bitadze.
Meanwhile, Hachimura's calf complications started in Miami and significantly bothered the Japanese star this past weekend against the Magic.
With their two highly important contributors inactive, the Lakers need a critical step-up from the rest of their supporting cast around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
In other news, Maxi Kleber will return to the Lakers' lineup for the first time since Mar. 8 due to his back issues.
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