Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After salvaging a four-game road trip with a win over the Phoenix Suns , the Los Angeles Lakers return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
As has been the case all season, the injury report for this game will be significant for both teams. LeBron James missed the Lakers’ win over the Suns with a left calf contusion. Although he was able to finish the game, he admitted he was sore after the game and was considered unavailable for the game.
After seeing how the Mavericks felt on Sunday morning, it was ruled that James was not healthy enough to play, so the Lakers must win this game without him. Los Angeles is also without Jared Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino, who are still recovering from respective injuries, although big man Anthony Davis is available Able to compete after being listed as possible.
James’ absence is undoubtedly significant as he is coming off another stellar start to the season. Although he has entered the 21st grade, LeBron has not slowed down at all, averaging 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game, while shooting 56.9% from the field, which will be the best result of his entire career.
In the Lakers’ win over the Suns, Davon Ham elected to change the starting lineup, benching Austin Reeves and replacing Cam Reddish. The move ended up being a good one as both players played well and Reeves still played 35 minutes of the game. However, without James, both Reeves and Reddish can start in this game.
As for the Trail Blazers, they also lost some key players such as Malcolm Brogdon (left hamstring strain), Scott Henderson (right ankle sprain), Anfernee Simons ( Robert Williams III (torn ligament in right thumb) and Robert Williams III (torn ligament in right knee) have all been ruled out.
The Lakers got their first look at Deandre Ayton in Portland after the Trail Blazers made a blockbuster trade this offseason. He doesn’t have the same scoring prowess as he did in Phoenix, though that could change against Los Angeles given how many Portland players are out.
Even though James won’t be able to play for the Lakers, this is a great opportunity to get back to .500 at 5-5 and remain undefeated all year at home, so hopefully they can take advantage of that opportunity against a rebuilding team .
Los Angeles Lakers (4-5) vs. Los Angeles Lakers Portland Trail Blazers (3-5)
November 12, 2023 at 7:00 pm Pacific time
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
TV: Spectrum Sports Network
Broadcast: 710 AM ESPN LA
Projected Lakers starting lineup:
Point Guard: D’Angelo Russell
GS: Austin Reeves
SF: Cam is reddish
PF: Taurus Prince
Center: Anthony Davis
Main substitutes: Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, Max Christie
Projected Trail Blazers starting lineup:
Point Guard: Skylar Mays
GS: Selden Sharp
SF: Matisse Thybulle
PS: Jerami Grant
C: Deandre Ayton
Main substitutes: Tumani Kamara, Jabari Walker, Justin Minaya, Moses Brown
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage of events, attend live shows, and more!