The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on a two-game slump after a close loss to the Orlando Magic last time out and will visit the Phoenix Suns next Thursday. Los Angeles has done well in terms of availability in recent weeks and all three of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to be fit.
However, Rui Hachimura is on the official injury report along with Jackson Hayes, with Hachimura listed as questionable and Hayes as probable. Hachimura is dealing with an illness, while Hayes is dealing with a right ankle sprain.
Along with these two, Bronny James and Edou Thiero have also been included, whose exit has been confirmed.
Rui Hachimura injury status vs Suns
Given that Rui Hachimura is questionable on the injury report, his availability will likely be a game-time decision. He came off the bench to score 10 points and two steals against the Magic and could prove useful off the bench once again.
Meanwhile, the Suns are still missing Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, Cole Anthony and Haywood Highsmith. The Lakers (34-23) have dropped to sixth place in the tightly packed Western Conference after suffering consecutive losses, including a loss to the Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, the Suns (33-26) have dropped to seventh in the standings after losing seven of their last ten games. Hachimura is averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and will add another threat against a team that has been largely depleted.
Phoenix currently leads the season series 2–1, making this fourth and final meeting important for potential postseason tiebreaker scenarios.
Lakers injury report
Rui Hachimura: doubtful (illness)
Jackson Hayes: Probable (right ankle; sprain)
Bronny James: Out (G League - On Assignment)
Edou Thirou: Out (G League – On Assignment)
sans injury report
Cole Anthony: Out (not with team)
Devin Booker: Out (right hip; strain)
Dillon Brooks: Out (left arm; fracture)
Jordan Goodwin: Out (left calf; strain)
Haywood Highsmith: Out (right knee; injury management)
