Overview
- The Lakers’ Thursday report lists Luka Dončić (left finger sprain, left leg contusion) and Marcus Smart (right quadriceps contusion) as questionable for Friday in Memphis, the team’s first NBA Cup group play game.
- LeBron James (right sciatica), Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain), Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) and Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) remain out.
- Dončić has missed three games since the Oct. 24 finger injury versus Minnesota, making a Friday appearance a potential earlier return than the prior expectation of at least a week.
- Head coach JJ Redick said the leg contusion is a day-to-day issue and that finger swelling has decreased, adding hope for a return within the next couple of games.
- Austin Reaves has carried the offense with 51-, 41- and 28-point outings and a 16-assist night, averaging 40 points and 10 assists over his past three games.