Overview
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Dončić is expected to play if a Wednesday workout checked out, with team and media later noting the move to probable.
- Dončić suffered a lower-left leg/calf contusion after a knee-to-calf collision against the Clippers, then missed the loss to the Suns as the Lakers dropped two straight.
- Lakers lineup notes include Jaxson Hayes ruled out with an ankle issue, Rui Hachimura upgraded to probable, Austin Reaves back in action, and Gabe Vincent sidelined.
- The NBA’s official injury report earlier listed Dončić as questionable at 11:15 a.m. ET, while Houston has Alperen Şengün questionable and Fred VanVleet out for the season.
- Dončić’s playful Christmas message to the Rockets circulated widely, and he is slated to debut the Jordan Luka 5 if he plays.