Los Angeles has dropped three straight games and now must figure out how to move forward without one of their best players.
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to end a tough stretch as they get ready to host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Reaves Injury Deals Major Blow to Lakers
The biggest news for the Lakers coming into Sunday's matchup is the loss of Austin Reaves, who has been one of the best players on the team this season.
Reaves left the Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets with a calf injury and was later diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain that will keep him out for at least four weeks.
Reaves had been putting together a career year before the injury, averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field.
His absence will force the Lakers to lean even more on their stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James to carry the load offensively.
Full Lakers Injury Report for Sunday
The Lakers have four players listed on the injury report heading into Sunday's game against Sacramento:
- Austin Reaves (Calf Strain) - Out
- Gabe Vincent (Back Strain) - Out
- Jaxson Hayes (Ankle Soreness) - Doubtful
- Drew Timme (Concussion Protocol) - Questionable
Vincent has now missed five straight games due to his back injury, and Hayes sat out the Christmas Day loss with the same ankle issue that has him listed as doubtful for Sunday.
If Hayes cannot go, the Lakers could be facing a shortage at the center position, which would put more pressure on starting center Deandre Ayton.
Marcus Smart Expected to Step Into Starting Role
With Reaves sidelined, Marcus Smart is expected to slide into the starting lineup once again.
Smart, who was brought in this offseason to provide veteran leadership and defense, has been averaging 10.3 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game this season.
While Smart cannot replace what Reaves brings on offense, his two-way ability and playoff experience will be needed as the Lakers try to get back on track.
Can the Lakers Get Back on Track Against Sacramento?
The good news for Los Angeles (19-10) is that they are facing a Sacramento Kings team that has been one of the worst in the league this season.
The Kings come into Sunday's game with an 8-23 record and rank near the bottom of the league in both offensive and defensive rating.
Sacramento has struggled all year and is allowing 122.0 points per game, which ranks 26th in the NBA.
Their defense has been among the worst in the league, and the Lakers should look to take advantage of that even without Reaves in the lineup.
The Kings do have some players who can score, including DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder, but their overall team play has not been good enough to stay in games.
Sacramento also comes in dealing with injuries of their own, as Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Devin Carter and Drew Eubanks were all out for their game against Dallas on Saturday.
For the Lakers, this game is a chance to stop the bleeding after three straight losses in which they have been outplayed on both ends of the floor.
Dončić leads the team and the league with 33.7 points per game along with 8.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists, and he will need to be at his best with Reaves out.
James, who has averaged 20.2 points, 6.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game in his 13 games this season, will also need to step up his production to help fill the void.
The Lakers and Kings tip off at 6:30 p.m. PT on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.