Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James' status is in question for Friday's contest versus the LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers enter Friday's NBA slate and their first game back since the All-Star break as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, but a loss and a Timberwolves win will drop them down to sixth if they can't take care of business against the LA Clippers.
With the Clippers coming off a strong win at home against the Denver Nuggets, led by Bennedict Mathurin's 38-point game, they'll also be playing on the second night of a back-to-back against a rested Lakers team. However, it's a Lakers team that might not be at full strength.
Lakers Injury Report
Luckily for the Lakers, Luka Doncic comes out of the All-Star break without an injury designation, as does Austin Reaves. However, their third star in the big three is in a different situation.
LeBron James, who played over 20 minutes of action across the three All-Star games, is listed as QUESTIONABLE due to left knee soreness. James helped Team USA Stripes to wins over Team Stars and Team World, but lost to Team Stars in a rematch in the championship game.
James has played in 36 games this season, where he's averaged 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in those contests.
Clippers Injury Report
The Clippers will have the same three players ruled OUT from Thursday's contest, as Bradley Beal (hip), Darius Garland (toe), and TyTy Washington Jr. (two-way) will not play.
In addition, Sean Pedulla, whom the team signed during the All-Star break, will miss Thursday's contest as he's on a two-way contract. After Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders were converted to standard contracts, Pedulla and Norchad Omier filled the team's vacant two-way spots.
Game Preview
A matchup that used to take place solely in the same arena, the two sides have moved across the city from each other to have their own respective venues.
The Clippers currently hold a 2-1 series advantage, as both teams have successfully defended their home floor in each of the three contests. Therefore, if history repeats itself, Friday's contest should go in favor of the Lakers.
However, with Bennedict Mathurin having a breakout game and Kawhi Leonard playing at an MVP-level, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will have their hands full trying to keep pace.
Tip-off at the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles is set for 10:00 p.m. EST, as the Clippers seek to reach .500 on the season, while the Lakers will look to avoid dropping behind the Timberwolves in the standings.