The Los Angeles Lakers will face a major challenge when they take on the Denver Nuggets. Both LeBron James and Luka Doncic are listed on the injury report ahead of the matchup.
Doncic, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade, has been managing a left calf injury. He is listed as probable for the game, meaning his availability will likely be determined closer to tip-off. James is also probable with left foot soreness, continuing his season-long injury management.
The Lakers enter the game with a 33-21 record, ranking fifth in the Western Conference. They have gone 7-3 in their last ten games. Denver, at 37-19, sits in second place and is one of the hottest teams in the league, winning nine of their last ten contests.
Doncic made his Lakers debut on February 10 against the Utah Jazz, scoring 14 points in a 132-113 win. Since then, Los Angeles has struggled, losing back-to-back games to the Jazz and Hornets. Doncic scored 14 points in both defeats, but his presence has added a new dynamic to the Lakers’ offense.
Before the trade, Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks.
Denver has its own injury concerns, with Jamal Murray (left knee inflammation) and Aaron Gordon (right calf soreness) both listed as probable. The Nuggets will also be without DaRon Holmes II, Trey Alexander, and Peyton Watson.
The Lakers’ injury report includes Bronny James (G League assignment) and Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery), while Doncic and James are both expected to play barring setbacks.
