The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to see some light at the end of the injury tunnel - and not a moment too soon.
After a stretch where the team was forced to navigate through a string of absences, the Lakers are finally getting some reinforcements. Deandre Ayton, the team’s starting center, is set to return to the lineup Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns after missing the last two games with elbow soreness. Also making his way back is Austin Reaves, who’s been sidelined for the past three contests due to a calf strain.
That’s a big lift for a Lakers squad that’s been walking a tightrope with its depth. Ayton brings much-needed size, rim protection, and rebounding - all areas where L.A. has had to patch things together in his absence.
Reaves, meanwhile, is a key connector in the offense, a guy who can handle the ball, make smart reads, and knock down shots when the floor shrinks. Getting both players back doesn’t just help the rotation - it helps the Lakers reestablish their identity on both ends of the floor.
Still, the injury report isn’t completely clear. Luka Doncic (leg contusion), Rui Hachimura (groin soreness), and Gabe Vincent (back strain) remain out.
But there’s some optimism there too. Head coach JJ Redick said Doncic and Hachimura are considered day-to-day, putting them in play for a potential return on Christmas Day when the Lakers take on the Houston Rockets.
Vincent, who’s dealing with a back issue, is also expected to be evaluated on Christmas.
For a team that’s had to juggle lineups and lean on its depth more than it would’ve liked, this gradual return to health is a welcome sight. Despite the injuries, the Lakers have managed to post a 19-8 record - good for fourth in the Western Conference and just a game and a half back of the second-place San Antonio Spurs. That kind of resilience speaks volumes about the culture being built in L.A.
It’s no secret the Lakers have struggled with consistency and cohesion in recent seasons, especially prior to Redick’s arrival in 2024. But this year feels different.
There’s a sense of stability - even when key pieces are missing. The team has found ways to win, leaning on defense, timely contributions from role players, and a next-man-up mentality that’s starting to define their season.
With Ayton and Reaves back in the mix, and the potential return of Doncic and Hachimura on the horizon, the Lakers are inching closer to full strength. And if this group can stay healthy heading into the heart of the season, we might just be seeing the early stages of something serious brewing in Los Angeles.