If you are a Los Angeles Lakers fan, you got to be worried. It is the inconsistency that might stab the Lakers in the back in the playoffs. They lost to the Bulls to come back strong for two games only to fall to the Warriors again, and then overpower the Pelicans. But what makes them look different is they seemed to be the only team capable enough of taking on the Thunder when Luka Doncic came in. But the good thing? Despite a month of uncountable injuries and humiliating losses later, they’re still 3rd in the West. And they have their chance to prove the notion right now- up next is the first of a double-header against the table topping OKC. But can they now?
The triple threat of LA was on show in their 124-108 win over the Pelicans a couple nights ago. They’ll be hoping that Luka, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves can provide the same chemistry at the Paycom. But will they be available to do that tonight?
Lakers injury report ahead of Thunder clash
The worry? All guns were blazing, but fear of ‘can they repeat’ looms. 27 points and 8 assists was what Bron amassed against the Pelicans. His chemistry and link-up play with Reaves and Luka was a sight to see. But the month of March was a bit of a wake-up call for the 40-year-old. He left their loss to the Celtics prematurely due to a groin strain on March 8th and had to be sidelined for 7 games as a result. He’s played every game since and has picked up right where he’s left off- including consecutive double-doubles against the Pacers (13/13/7) and the Bulls (17/5/12). So is he playing today?
But according to ESPN’s injury report, he’s been listed as probable for the Thunder clash tonight. It seems like the groin strain was worse than expected. With just 5 games left to go in the regular season, they’ll need their King to be firing on all cylinders to achieve a respectable seed heading into playoffs.
Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Maxi Kleber’s progress has been pretty public since he started on-court activity. Fans know that he’ll be able to plug the hole that’s been gaping since longstanding center Anthony Davis left for the Mavericks. But the video showing him shooting hoops made it clear that he’s still far from a return. He is out for tonight’s clash against OKC.
Despite all the nepotism tags on Bronny James, he’s still put his head down and showed his potential. This was clearly evident in his 17/3/5 performance in 30 minutes against the Bucks, all career-highs. Between spending his time playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League and the NBA, he’s been a vital piece in their long-term aspirations. But he missed their game against the Pelicans due to illness, and is listed as a day-to-day.
Lakers predicted lineup against Thunder
The Thunder’s wrecking ball was finally stopped when they lost to 2nd-placed Rockets two nights ago. But they’re still 64-13 and are the first team to have clutched their conference. As mentioned earlier, they’ll need the trio of Luka, Reaves, and Bron to turn up tonight. On that note, this is their predicted lineup for tonight’s game in Oklahoma City:
Point Guard
Luka Doncic
Shooting Guard
Austin Reaves
Small Forward
Dorian Finney-Smith
Power Forward
LeBron James
Center
Jaxson Hayes
Thunder’s performance tonight can be one of two extremes- they can either be stunned in momentum due to their unexpected loss, or they could use that as fuel to march on even stronger. If it’s the prior, JJ Redick and the LA Lakers need to be primed to capitalize.
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