The Los Angeles Lakers announced that both Luka Doncic (left groin soreness) and LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica) are available on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks after originally being listed as questionable while center Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring soreness) is out.
Doncic and James both being able to play is a bit of a surprise as the former spoke after the Lakers’ game in Sacramento against the Kings on Monday night about having to get treatment on it during the contest. With this being the second night of a back-to-back, it would have made sense for the Lakers to sit him down as opposed to risking further damage.
Likewise, James has not played in both nights of any back-to-back so far this season as the staff looks to manage him throughout the season. Even LeBron himself has said that he is TBD on all back-to-backs going forward this year in his 23rd NBA season.
After warming up pregame though, both players were upgraded to available, which is a huge boost for a Lakers team that has lost three straight and badly needs a win.
With Austin Reaves (left calf strain) still being out, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are sure to see plenty of action, as could two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. who has been part of the rotation for a couple weeks now.
Dalton Knecht could get a great opportunity for big minutes as well as he is one of the team’s best offensive options and they have really struggled to score the ball. Rui Hachimura, who suited up Monday but didn’t take the floor, will return from his calf injury but on a minutes restriction of around 18 minutes.
JJ Redick says Lakers’ poor 3-point shooting has become a theme
Amid their recent struggles, the Lakers will need to generate offense from somewhere and hopefully they can find their 3-point stroke against the Hawks as head coach JJ Redick noted that their poor shooting from deep has become a theme this season.
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