The Los Angeles Lakers have been battling injuries all season, but things are finally starting to look up for them ahead of their latest showdown against the Nuggets. Amid a four-game win streak, the team is already in a good position, and the latest update suggests they’re getting a much-needed boost to the rotation.
Per the Lakers, Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) is probable, while Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) is out. After recently returning to the lineup, both Marcus Smart and LeBron James are off the injury report and are expected to be available.
Overall, these are positive developments for the Lakers, who have experienced changing rotations all season. With practically everyone on the team having missed some time, it’s been a “next man up” mentality from the jump, forcing Redick to get creative with his game plans and rotations.
Regarding the situation with Hayes, he’s been making good progress toward a return, and all signs point toward him being available tomorrow night. The 25-year-old big man hasn’t played since March 8th after reporting pain and discomfort in his back, but he was always set for a quick recovery. In 54 games this season, he’s averaging 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 75.2% shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber’s return is still a long way off. Details on his injury have been scarce, but Redick hinted that he’s having complications that could keep him out for an extended period. Back problems can be notoriously tricky, and the Lakers aren’t in the business of rushing their players out. This season, Kleber’s averaging 2.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 46.7% shooting and 27.3% shooting from three.
Without Kleber, the Lakers are vulnerable in the frontcourt, especially off the bench. Jaxson Hayes can hold his own out there, but if he’s unavailable, it means Deandre Ayton will be the only available center against a stacked Nuggets team with Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Jonas Valanciunas.
Ultimately, it falls on Luka Doncic to carry the load and lead the Lakers to victory like he has all season. With averages of 32.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 47.5% shooting (36.7% shooting from three) this season, he’s been their saving grace, and remains the key to their success.
Fortunately, both Luka and Austin Reaes are fully healthy and available, and the same can be said for LeBron James. That will maximize their odds for victory, but the real work happens on the court. Regardless of who is available, the Lakers will need perfect execution and seamless chemistry to take down the Nuggets on Saturday, and it will tell us a lot about what we can expect down the stretch of this season.
