Lakers at Nets Injury Report
The Lakers (40-22) will take on the Brooklyn Nets (21-42) at Barclay’s Center on Monday, March 10th. Dealing with many key injuries, the Lakers will be forced to adopt a “next man up” mentality while the Nets continue to struggle despite being relatively healthy.
Lakers Injury Report
LeBron James (Groin – Out)
The King is expected to miss Monday’s matchup against the Nets after suffering a groin injury against the Celtics.
The injury is not expected to be overly serious, but he will miss some time with an estimated return date of March 24th. This will be a big blow to a Lakers team that has been red-hot since acquiring Luka Doncic.
Rui Hachimura (Knee – Out)
Hachimura is still dealing with a knee injury that was suffered in February, which eventually was diagnosed as a left patellar tendinopathy.
He is expected to be back soon, with an estimated return date of March 16th. Hachimura is averaging 13/5/2 in 50 games played this season.
Jaxson Hayes (Knee – Out)
Like James, Hayes also suffered an injury in the last game against the Celtics. The injury is very minor, as he is expected back next game. However, it will be tough for the Lakers to matchup against Nets center Nic Claxton without a starting-caliber big in the lineup.
Dorian Finney-Smith (Ankle – Out)
Finney-Smith is dealing with some light ankle soreness and will miss tonight’s game. He has been dealing with lingering ankle issues all throughout the season and will return to the lineup next week.
Maxi Kleber (Foot – Out)
Kleber is still recovering from a broken foot suffered in January. He is expected to be back around late March when the Lakers begin their playoff push, and he will provide additional depth to the Lakers’ big man rotation when he is healthy.
Luka Doncic (Knee – Available)
Doncic is still dealing with a knee contusion suffered last game against the Clippers. Doncic will likely play, but it is worth monitoring the progress of his injury so that it doesn’t become a bigger issue later in the year. The Lakers will need him, with all of their other impact players missing tonight’s game.
Nets Injury Report
Trendon Watford (Hamstring – Out)
Watford, a key utility player for the Nets, has managed hamstring issues since October. He is likely being given the night off to further recover and is expected back next game.
Cam Thomas (Hamstring – Out)
One of Brooklyn’s top scorers, Thomas, has been tackling a hamstring issue since December and is also expected back soon. This is a big break for the Lakers, as Thomas is averaging 19.8 ppg in his first four games back from injury.
De’Anthony Melton (Knee – Out For Season)
De’Anthony Melton was ruled out for the entire season with an ACL injury. The Warriors traded Melton to the Nets in December as a part of the Dennis Schröder trade.
