Following Monday night’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 6-2, tying for second place in the Western Conference.
The Lakers have played without LeBron James all season and have also been without Luka Doncic for four of those eight games—including Monday—after head coach JJ Redick opted to rest him on a back-to-back while he recovers from a finger and leg contusion.
Doncic received a positive update ahead of Wednesday night’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs: the 27-year-old is officially off the injury report and expected to play.
Austin Reaves, who also missed Monday’s game, is listed as questionable, while LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Adou Thiero, and Gabe Vincent remain out.
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Doncic has been extremely impressive in every appearance for the Lakers this season, marking his second year with the team after being traded midseason last year from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking moves in NBA history.
Through four games, Doncic is averaging 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, while shooting 54.5% from the field, 29.2% from 3-point range, and 79.6% from the free-throw line.
It hasn’t just been Doncic driving the Lakers’ early-season success. Austin Reaves is enjoying the best stretch of his NBA career, and Redick has seen contributions from a variety of players night after night.
Whether it’s Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, or—even on Monday—Nick Smith Jr., who scored 25 points off the bench, the Lakers have found ways to win.
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