After a 15-point victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers are just one win away from clinching the third seed in the Western Conference. As usual, health will play a critical role in these final days of the season, and it will surely matter in their next game against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
In the newly released injury report, only two players are listed for the Lakers: LeBron James and Maxi Kleber. Kleber hasn't been in a Lakers jersey this season as he's still recovering from right foot surgery. Nobody knows when he'll be back in the lineup, but it won't be tomorrow, and it's looking increasingly unlikely that we'll see him again before the 2025-26 season.
LeBron James appeared to be in good health during the last Lakers game, when he dropped 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in the double-digit win. At 40 years old, however, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach with James, and they could rest him tomorrow if they feel he needs an extra day of recovery for his groin strain. The injury kept him out for seven games earlier this season, and it's got him listed as probable for tomorrow's game.
For the Rockets, their situation is much more uncertain, and they could end up at a major disadvantage without several key players. First on the list is Alperen Sengun, who is questionable due to "personal reasons." The good news for the Rockets is that he's healthy, but the bad news is that they'll be extremely vulnerable if he's ruled out for tomorrow's contest.
Jabari Smith Jr. is questionable against the Lakers with left groin soreness, and he'll likely be a game-time decision. The 21-year-old is averaging 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game for the Rockets, but since Houston is already locked in as the second seed, there's no reason to compromise his health before the playoffs begin.
Finally, there's Fred VanVleet and Jae'Sean Tate. Fred is questionable while Tate is out, both due to right ankle soreness. Both players are having modest seasons, but the Rockets' strength is their depth, and they'll need all hands on deck to beat the new-look Lakers with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
It remains to be seen what the final rotation will look like, but this game means much more to the Lakers than the Rockets. At 52-28, Houston feels that they can beat any team in the West, and they are guaranteed to have home-court advantage in the first two rounds.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are still fighting to avoid the play-in tournament, and if they lose this game, it will leave the door open for the Nuggets, Clippers, or Grizzlies to jump them in the standings. That's why the Lakers must play everyone that they can and fight with everything they have to ensure they finish third.
After tonight's showdown, the Lakers will have just one game left this season: a battle against the Portland Trail Blazers on the road. If the Lakers can win tomorrow, they might be able to give their starters a rest day before the playoffs. If not, they'll have to rally together and make a run on the final day of the regular season.
