The Los Angeles Lakers said that LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Christian Wood (left knee fluid) will not be able to play against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Anthony Davis (bilateral Achilles tendinopathy) is also likely to play, but Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) and Max Christie (right ankle sprain) are doubtful. Gabe Vincent (surgery on his left knee) and Jarred Vanderbilt (sprain on his right midfoot) are also still out with their injuries.
Since it came out that the Lakers star got treatment for his ankle over the break, LeBron’s participation in the game has been uncertain. James did still play in the All-Star Game, but he didn’t play as much as any other player and even said he wasn’t sure if he would play Thursday night, which we now know for sure he will.
Davis has had hip and groin pain for a few weeks now, but he looks like he will play more often than not. LeBron missed the last game before All-Star Weekend, but Davis played and dominated before going to Indianapolis. He will be very important on the court, especially if his co-star can’t make it.
Reddish hurt his hip and hasn’t been able to play since late January. He was cleared to do on-court workouts before the All-Star break, but the Lakers wanted to take their time with his return to make sure he was fully healed. Reddish is likely to be in uniform by then.
Christie also hurt his ankle, but it happened on Kobe Bryant statue night when the Lakers played the Denver Nuggets. Christie started that game, and over the last few weeks, he has grown into a good 3-and-D choice. His growth has been a bright spot for the team.
Wood is the only new player hurt, and the team says he will be looked at again in about two weeks because of his knee problem.
Vincent is still recovering from surgery on his left knee in December, but he should be getting closer to being able to go back to work soon. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, still has a sprained foot and will be checked again in a week or two to see what to do next to help him get better.