The Los Angeles Lakers continue to juggle injuries as they work through a demanding stretch of the schedule. Following another shorthanded outing, head coach JJ Redick offered clarity on where several key rotation pieces stand heading into the holiday slate.
According to Dave McMenamin, Redick said Luka Doncic is “doing fine” while remaining day to day with a left calf contusion. Rui Hachimura is also considered day to day as he manages a groin issue, while Gabe Vincent will be reevaluated on Thursday as he works his way back from a lingering back injury. None of the three were cleared to play in today’s game against Phoenix, but a return for the Christmas Day matchup against the Rockets remains firmly on the table.
Doncic’s situation appears to be the most closely monitored. The injury stems from contact he took against the Clippers on Saturday, when he left the game after 19 minutes of play. With multiple injuries already this season, the Lakers want to be patient with swelling and soreness rather than pushing him through discomfort. Given his workload and central role in the offense, the team is rightfully prioritizing mobility and pain management before giving him the green light.
Still, with the latest diagnosis being a bone bruise, Doncic is not experiencing a serious setback, and his day-to-day designation should give Lakers fans confidence in a quick return. In 22 games this season, he is averaging 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 45.8 percent shooting (32.0 percent from three).
Rui Hachimura’s groin injury traces back to discomfort he first felt last week, an issue that can easily worsen without rest. His physicality and versatility make him important on both ends, and his absence leaves the Lakers especially vulnerable in the frontcourt. Just like with LeBron, the team is expected to err on the side of caution as Hachimura eases his way back into the lineup.
Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent’s back issue has lingered longer than expected, limiting his availability and rhythm. He has not played since December 14, and his upcoming reevaluation will determine whether he can rejoin the rotation as the Lakers look to stabilize their guard depth.
While injuries have defined much of the season so far, the Lakers are getting healthier right on time for the midseason grind. At 19-8, they have answered every challenge so far, but it remains to be seen whether they can hold up against teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Rockets. More than anything, health and availability will be key.
With Christmas approaching, the Lakers are now in a holding pattern, waiting to see which pieces they can get back in time for a crucial stretch. If Doncic, Hachimura, or Vincent can return soon, it could stabilize a rotation that has been stretched thin for weeks. For a team with real postseason ambitions, the margin between caution and urgency is narrowing fast.
