The Los Angeles Lakers head into their Christmas Day showdown against the Golden State Warriors with seven players on the injury report, including stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both are listed as questionable for the highly anticipated matchup at Chase Center.
Anthony Davis is dealing with a left shoulder contusion, while LeBron James is managing a left foot issue. Their availability could significantly impact the game as the Lakers and Warriors are closely ranked in the Western Conference standings.
Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all ruled out. Hayes is nursing a right ankle sprain, Wood is recovering from left knee surgery, and Vanderbilt continues his recovery from right foot surgery. Jalen Hood-Schifino is also sidelined with a left hamstring strain.
D’Angelo Russell, listed as questionable with a left thumb sprain, could join the unavailable players. His presence is vital as the Lakers aim to maintain their seventh-place standing in the Western Conference, just one spot above the Warriors.
Golden State has only one player on its injury report. Gary Payton II is listed as questionable with a left calf contusion. The Warriors, sitting eighth in the standings, will look to capitalize if the Lakers’ lineup is shorthanded.
Both teams are in need of a win to strengthen their playoff positions. The Lakers, at 16-13, hold a slim edge over the 15-13 Warriors. However, injuries could dictate the outcome of this pivotal matchup.
