As losers of two straight games, the Los Angeles Lakers have been reeling since returning from the All-Star break. As desperation grows, pressure is building to pick up a win, which is why all eyes are set on Thursday’s rematch against the Phoenix Suns. While the big three will be available to play without restrictions, the availability of two role-players is in jeopardy as a result of the latest batch of injuries.
Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain) has been ruled as probable, while Rui Hachimura (illness) is listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Bronny James and Adou Thiero are with the South Bay Lakers. While the odds are that the Lakers will have a full rotation tomorrow, the latest setbacks for Hayes and Rui leave some room for doubt about their short-term availability.
Rui, while healthy, is currently feeling “under the weather” with an unspecified illness. It’s a relatively minor setback that shouldn’t keep him out for more than a game or two. As long as he’s feeling better tomorrow, he’s expected to play with nothing held back. The same could be said for Hayes, who is still recovering after tweaking his ankle against the Magic.
Meanwhile, for the Suns, Cole Anthony (not with team), Devin Booker (right hip strain), Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain), and Haywood Highsmith (right knee management) have all been ruled out, leaving Phoenix severely shorthanded.
While the Suns won their last matchup against the Lakers, the odds are stacked against them tomorrow. Even without Hayes and Hachimura, the Lakers have way more firepower between a healthy Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton to overpower the competition.
At 18-11 on the road (34-23 overall), being in enemy territory works against the Lakers, but good health and new additions have given them increased confidence in their potential. If they can just improve on the defensive end, it would go a long way toward building positive momentum for the playoffs.
More than anything, they just need the players to stay healthy. The Lakers have dealt with constant setbacks for months, but if they can just get a few weeks with everyone together, it could make the difference between a successful season and a failed one. For now, everyone must be ready for any potential absences, just like it’s been all season long.
