The Los Angeles Lakers are set to visit the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum tonight for their first game of the NBA Cup group stage. The biggest question mark for the visiting squad is the availability of superstar Luka Doncic.
According to the latest NBA injury report, the Lakers have listed Luka Doncic as available to play in tonightâs game against the Grizzlies, making his return with the team after missing three consecutive games.
Prior to his time off, Doncic was off to an incredible start, pouring in 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in the loss to Golden State, and following up with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in the win over Minnesota. Despite his absence, the Lakers have managed to navigate the time without both LeBron James (sciatica) and Doncic effectively.
Over the last three contests, the Lakers have compiled a 2-1 record, with Austin Reaves taking over as the teamâs primary leader and playmaker. Reaves scored a career-high 51 points in the win against the Kings, followed that with 41 points in the loss to the Blazers, and finally notched 28 points, sinking the game-winner in the victory against the Timberwolves.
Luka Doncic during Lakersâ game against the Timberwolves. (Getty Images)
Doncicâs return is essential
Getting Doncic back in the lineup are excellent news for the Lakers, who are currently relying on Reaves as their only primary ball-handler. LeBron James has yet to make his season debut due to right sciatica, and both Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent have been sidelined since the victory against the Kings.
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For tonightâs game, Smart is also listed as available to play. Meanwhile, LeBron James, Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain), Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery), and Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) all remain listed as out on the official NBA injury report.
