
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on New Year’s Eve, but they are facing a significant injury challenge. Six players, including key stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James, are listed on the injury report ahead of the game.
Davis is listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain, while James, who recently turned 40, is also questionable due to an illness. In addition to the superstars, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Christian Wood are all dealing with injuries.
Hood-Schifino will not play due to a left hamstring strain, while Vanderbilt and Wood are both out as they continue to recover from surgery on their right foot and left knee, respectively. Vincent, who is dealing with a left oblique strain, is also questionable for the game.
Despite these injury concerns, the Lakers have been in strong form recently. They’ve won five of their last six games, including victories over the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. With an 18-13 record, the Lakers sit seventh in the Western Conference.
In contrast, the Cavaliers are on a hot streak, having won their last seven games. Most recently, they defeated the Denver Nuggets and Warriors. With a league-best record of 24-8, the Cavaliers are poised to challenge the Lakers tonight.
The game will take place at Crypto.com Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 09:00 ET. As the Lakers continue to deal with injuries, they will need strong performances from their healthy players to keep pace with the high-flying Cavaliers. Los Angeles could have newcomers Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton make their debut in this game.