The Los Angeles Lakers begin their four-game road trip with a visit to the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Both teams are dealing with key injuries ahead of their second and final meeting of the regular season.
LeBron James is listed as probable due to a left groin strain, but he is expected to play. Rui Hachimura is questionable with left patellar tendinopathy, while Bronny James remains out on G League assignment. Maxi Kleber is still sidelined as he recovers from right foot surgery.
The Magic will be without Jalen Suggs, who is dealing with a left knee trochlea cartilage tear, and Moritz Wagner, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Cole Anthony and Trevelin Queen are both questionable with injuries, while Mac McClung and Ethan Thompson remain on G League duty.
Los Angeles (43-27) sits fourth in the Western Conference but has gone 4-6 in its last ten games. Orlando (33-38) holds the eighth seed in the East and has also posted a 4-6 record over the same span.
The Lakers will look to even the season series after losing to the Magic 119-118 in their first meeting on November 21. With playoff positioning at stake for both teams, availability will play a crucial role in the outcome of Friday’s contest.
