LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Portland Trail Blazers at the Crypto.com Arena this Sunday. This will be their third and final matchup of the season. The game tip-off is set at 10:00 PM ET and will be streamed via the NBA League Pass. Spectrum Sportsnet and Root Sports Plus. Fans can also tune in via SiriusXM, ESPN LA 710, 1330 KWKW, and Rip City Radio 620.
The Lakers are 21-22 after 43 games and 10th in the Western Conference and had a challenging season despite an NBA In-Season Tournament win. Despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis available, their performance has been inconsistent. The team’s under .500 record is concerning, especially considering the depth of their roster.
On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have been playing well recently, with Jerami Grant leading the team. Grant, who has been outstanding in their recent win over the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers, averaging 37.5 points over the last two games. However, the team faces challenges with Shaedon Sharpe out and the uncertain availability of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.
After a strong win against the Dallas Mavericks (127-110), the Lakers had a disappointing loss to the Brooklyn Nets (130-112). Coach Darvin Ham expressed frustration after the Nets game, he told reporters that they should just “stop making excuses” and “play basketball.” This game will be their first opportunity to respond to Ham’s challenge.
LeBron James is questionable for the Lakers vs. Blazers game tonight
LeBron James‘ status remains questionable for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Trail Blazers. James is currently on the injury report due to an ankle issue that has been troubling him since around New Year’s.
LeBron James (ankle) questionable for Sunday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 21, 2024
LeBron is averaging 24.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game this season, and his presence or absence could greatly affect the result of the game. The Lakers have been heavily dependent on James for his leadership and performance.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report:
- Cam Reddish (Probable – Knee)
- Taurean Prince (Questionable – Knee)
- LeBron James (Questionable – Ankle)
- Anthony Davis (Questionable – Achilles)
- Gabe Vincent (Out – Knee)
Los Angeles Lakers expected lineup:
- PG D’Angelo Russell
- SG Austin Reaves
- SF Rui Hachimura
- PF Jarred Vanderbilt
- C Christian Wood
Portland Trail Blazers injury report:
- Anfernee Simons (Questionable – Illness)
- Scoot Henderson (Questionable – Nasal contusion)
- Shaedon Sharpe (Out–Thigh)
- Moses Brown (Out – Shoulder)
- Robert Williams III (Out – Knee)
Portland Trail Blazers expected lineup:
- PG Malcolm Brogdon
- SG Matisse Thybulle
- SF Jerami Grant
- PF Jabari Walker
- C Deandre Ayton
The Lakers are slightly favored over the Blazers tonight
Despite recent upsets, the LA Lakers are slightly favored in tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Following their loss to the Nets, the Lakers are expected to bounce back and secure a win against Portland.
The Trail Blazers are currently struggling with key injuries and limited depth. Also, the Lakers have the home advantage and a 2-0 record in the previous matchups against the Blazers this season, this game will be an opportunity for them to equalize their win-loss record.