The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with a slew of injuries as they prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks in their final regular season game. All-NBA small forward LeBron James is listed as doubtful to play due to a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy. This is not the first time James has missed a game against the Bucks this season, as he also sat out their previous matchup on March 8th. In his absence, point guard D’Angelo Russell stepped up and scored 44 points to secure a victory for the Lakers.
In addition to James, several other key players for the Lakers are also sidelined with injuries. Reserve point guard Gabe Vincent is recovering from left knee effusion surgery and has only played five games this season. Christian Wood, a backup big man, underwent left knee surgery and is unlikely to return this year. Jarred Vanderbilt, a combo forward, is out with a right midfoot strain and has played in only 29 games this season. The Lakers are hoping for Vincent’s return by the end of the season, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to crack the rotation again.
LeBron James has been a crucial part of the Lakers’ success this season, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. With James potentially sidelined for their upcoming game against the Bucks, head coach Darvin Ham will need to make adjustments to the lineup. One option could be to start Spencer Dinwiddie in place of James, or to elevate backup forward Taurean Prince into the starting lineup. The Lakers will certainly miss James’s presence on the court, as he has been the focal point of the team’s offense this season.
Two-way center Colin Castleton is also out with a right wrist fracture, adding to the Lakers’ injury woes. Rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino is recovering from lumbar disc surgery and has not seen much playing time this season. The Lakers will need to rely on their remaining healthy players to step up and fill the void left by their injured teammates. Despite the mounting injuries, the Lakers will need to find a way to compete and secure a victory in their final regular season game against the Bucks.
