Lakers Continue Without Key Players in Matchup vs. Suns
With just two games remaining, the Los Angeles Lakers (51-29) finish off their regular season at home. They take on the Phoenix Suns (44-36) on Friday in the second half of a back-to-back.
The Lakers have more to play for, as they continue to battle it out with the Denver Nuggets (52-28) and Houston Rockets (51-29) for the best possible position in the Western Conference standings. However, Los Angeles has battled key injuries that have resulted in a plateau entering the playoffs.
Marcus Smart Returns
While in desperate need of extra reinforcements, the Lakers will be getting back Marcus Smart after the veteran guard missed the last eight games with a right ankle contusion. Los Angeles is without two of their top guards in Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, so Smart will likely return with a heavy assignment.
In his first season with the Lakers, Marcus Smart has played in 60 games (53 starts) and averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with 39.9/33.6/81.6 shooting splits.
LeBron James Continues to Adjust as No. 1 Option for Lakers
Since losing Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic for the remainder of the regular season, LeBron James has played the role of the No. 1 option for the Lakers. He will play in a rare back-to-back on Friday and look to repeat his recent success.
After another ugly loss to the No. 1-seed Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James tallied a near triple-double in the April 5 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He finished with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 15 assists while shooting 12-for-22 from the field. He put together another impressive game in Thursday’s win over the Golden State Warriors, registering 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists with an even more efficient 11-for-17 shooting.
Los Angeles will need him once again on Friday against the Suns.
Lakers Waive Kobe Bufkin
Ahead of Friday’s game, the Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin to clear up a roster spot, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
The insider added that Los Angeles made the move “to evaluate a signing over the weekend.”
In the transaction, the Lakers are showing their commitment to bench guards like Nick Smith Jr. and Bronny James. Los Angeles could add a veteran guy ahead of the playoffs or possibly another role player who adds depth to an injury-riddled roster.
