The Los Angeles Lakers have battled numerous injuries to open the season, but the team is finally nearing full strength. Forward Adou Thiero recently made his Lakers debut after completing his recovery from offseason knee surgery, giving head coach JJ Redick another rotational option. Two more key players—Gabe Vincent and LeBron James—are also closing in on their returns.
Vincent has been sidelined with an ankle injury, while James has been out with a back issue. Both were listed as questionable on Monday’s official injury report ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz. Redick described their availability as “TBD,” noting that the team plans to evaluate them again before tipoff. James has already resumed on-court activity and has practiced after being assigned temporarily to the South Bay Lakers to get live reps.
In James’ absence, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have carried the offense and kept Los Angeles firmly in the top tier of the Western Conference standings. The Lakers enter the week at 10-4, sitting fourth in the conference and trailing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder by three games. Both Reaves and Doncic remain among the league’s top scorers—Reaves at No. 9 and Doncic currently leading the NBA.
James and Doncic have played only 23 games together since the Lakers acquired Doncic midseason last year. With James nearing the end of his recovery, the team hopes to finally unlock the full potential of its two-superstar lineup. James, entering his 23rd NBA season, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last year.
After a first-round playoff exit a season ago, expectations are high for Los Angeles to make a deeper run—especially once the roster returns to full health.
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