The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Sunday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) remains out while Jaxson Hayes (left ankle soreness) is doubtful and Drew Timme (concussion protocol) is questionable.
Austin Reaves (left calf strain) has also been ruled out as he is expected to miss at least the next four weeks with a calf injury.
In Reaves’ absence, both Luka Doncic and LeBron James will need to take on bigger roles as ball-handlers for the Lakers. After those two, Vincent will be next in line, so the Lakers getting him back as soon as possible would be ideal. It just won’t be happening on Sunday against the Kings.
Back injuries can be tricky and Vincent has missed the last four games due to his. The team will be cautious to ensure it doesn’t become a long-term issue, but he will certainly do everything he can to be on the court as quickly as possible.
The same can be said for Hayes, who left the Lakers’ recently loss to the Phoenix Suns early with ankle soreness and then sat out on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets.
With Hayes likely unable to return, Maxi Kleber will continue to get minutes as the team’s backup center behind Deandre Ayton, although JJ Redick could also opt to play smaller lineups at times.
The Lakers are desperately looking to get back on track on Sunday after getting blown out in each of their last three games. With some key players on the injury report, it will take a group effort in order to make that happen.
Luka Doncic offers his support to Lakers teammate Austin Reaves
Reaves’ Lakers teammate Luka Doncic is no stranger to dealing with a calf strain as he dealt with one last season prior to being traded by the Lakers. After Reaves’ most recent injury, Doncic offered his support in helping his co-star get through it.
“Yeah, I talked to him. He just said he didn’t know (the severity), he’ll have an MRI I think tomorrow. So just told him if he needs something to help with, I know how it is to go through a calf injury. It’s not fun at all. Just be there to support him. Take your time, calves are dangerous. So take your time,” Doncic said.
Reaves is set to be re-evaluated in four weeks and then he and the team will go from there.
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