So far this season, poor starts and a lack of defensive rebounding have plagued the 3-4 Los Angeles Lakers. However, injuries may be an even bigger problem.
Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino have all been out with various ailments. Even worse, the Lakers experienced a more serious injury scare when Anthony Davis tweaked his hip on Monday against the Miami Heat and was forced to leave the game in the third quarter.
Fortunately, Davis doesn’t seem to be seriously hurt. He expressed confidence he would be able to play on Wednesday versus the Houston Rockets, and he’s listed as questionable for that game. Even better, Hachimura is listed as probable, while backup center Jaxson Hayes, who missed Monday’s game, is questionable.
Rui Hachimura is listed as probable for Wednesday’s game in Houston. Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes are both questionable.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 7, 2023
Hachimura has been out for L.A.’s last four games with an eye contusion while also being in concussion protocol. His return cannot come soon enough, as the team has lost considerable ground when LeBron James has gone to the bench.
