The Los Angeles Lakers will enter their upcoming matchup against the Phoenix Suns with availability once again at the center of the conversation.
The Lakers have spent the last stretch navigating short-handed rotations, most recently dealing with multiple absences against the Los Angeles Clippers. And after the 103-88 loss, reinforcements could be on the way.
Where the Lakers Stand Entering the Suns Game
Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton are both making progress in their recoveries and could be nearing returns, according to head coach JJ Redick.
Ayton has missed the past two games with left elbow soreness, while Reaves has been sidelined for more than a week with a left calf strain. The Lakers have taken a cautious approach with Reaves in particular, prioritizing recovery over pushing him back too quickly.
If Reaves is able to return against Phoenix, it would mark close to two weeks between appearances.
Rui Hachimura remains further away. He missed the Clippers game with right groin soreness and is expected to miss at least one more contest. Redick indicated the injury is not considered long-term, but his availability for the Suns game appears unlikely.
Luka’s Status Remains Unclear
The injury picture became more complicated when Luka Doncic was ruled out after playing only two quarters against the Clippers.
Additional clarity on Doncic’s status has yet to emerge, making his availability another key storyline to monitor. With multiple creators and rotation pieces sidelined at once, the Lakers’ margin has narrowed quickly.
How Los Angeles Can Adjust if Needed
If Reaves and Ayton are unable to go, the Lakers will again be forced into a thinner rotation.
Recent games have shown how quickly that becomes an issue. Ball-handling suffers. Interior presence drops. Spacing tightens.
Even limited reinforcements would matter. They would change how the Lakers approach the night, especially against a Suns team that applies pressure on both ends.
The Lakers have preached patience during this stretch. The schedule, however, leaves little room to wait, with a holiday game looming shortly after.
Final Word for the Lakers
The Lakers’ injury report remains fluid, but it finally points toward potential reinforcements rather than continued depletion.
Reaves and Ayton are trending in the right direction, while Hachimura and Dončić remain situations to monitor closer to tipoff. How much help arrives against Phoenix will shape not only that game, but how Los Angeles approaches the days ahead.
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