Overview
- LeBron James is listed as questionable with right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis, and his readiness for back-to-back games remains uncertain.
- Luka Dončić is available after missing two games for the birth of his second daughter in Slovenia and he leads the league at 35.3 points with 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists.
- Marcus Smart has been out since Nov. 25 with a left lumbar muscle strain following an initial back-spasm designation, and his return timeline is unclear.
- Los Angeles split its first two road games, edging the Raptors on a Rui Hachimura game-winner before a shorthanded blowout loss to the Celtics when James did not play.
- The Lakers aim to steady chemistry around Austin Reaves with their stars back as they close the trip and prepare for an NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Spurs.