Overview
- The Lakers’ Friday injury report confirmed Doncic will sit Saturday against Portland due to left groin soreness.
- DeAndre Ayton is questionable with left knee soreness and Jaxson Hayes is questionable with left hamstring tendinopathy, leaving Los Angeles thin inside.
- Austin Reaves remains out with a left calf strain and rookie Adou Thiero continues his right MCL recovery.
- Coaches may lean on Maxi Kleber for extended minutes, consider two-way big Drew Timme, or pivot to small-ball lineups if the centers cannot go.
- Doncic has carried a heavy load this season at 33.6 points and 36.4 minutes per game after playing through recent discomfort, and the 24–15 Lakers have dropped eight of their past 13.