The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into Tuesday night’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs with a roster that’s missing some serious firepower. Already without Luka Dončić due to a hamstring injury, the Lakers have now ruled out LeBron James and Austin Reaves for the second night of a back-to-back. And if that weren’t enough, Marcus Smart is also sidelined with right ankle soreness.
Let’s unpack what this means for L.A. as they prepare to take on the second-best team in the Western Conference.
No LeBron, No Reaves, No Dončić - Now What?
LeBron James and Austin Reaves both suited up last night against the Oklahoma City Thunder and gave the Lakers everything they had. James, still defying Father Time at 41, put up 22 points in 36 minutes, adding 10 assists, six rebounds, and a steal while shooting 9-of-17 from the field.
Reaves came off the bench and chipped in 16 points, seven assists, two boards, and a steal in 29 minutes. Both were key contributors in that game, but with the short turnaround, the Lakers are playing it safe.
James’ absence tonight marks his 18th missed game of the season, which officially makes him ineligible for any season awards - a technicality that ends his unprecedented All-NBA streak at 21 consecutive seasons. It’s a reminder of just how much mileage he’s logged over the years and how remarkable his consistency has been.
Reaves is sitting out due to what the team is calling “left calf injury management.” At 27, he’s still a key rotational piece, and the Lakers are clearly thinking long-term when it comes to his availability.
Marcus Smart Out, Deandre Ayton Questionable
Marcus Smart will also be unavailable, taking what’s essentially a maintenance day. He’s been one of the Lakers’ most reliable presences this season - a gritty, physical guard who brings intensity on both ends.
He’s averaging 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just under 29 minutes per game. While those numbers might not jump off the page, his impact goes beyond the box score.
Without him, the Lakers lose a vocal leader and a defensive anchor on the perimeter.
Deandre Ayton, who’s been battling a knee issue, is listed as questionable. If he can’t go, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth will be tested even further.
Who Steps Up?
With three starters out and Ayton uncertain, the next-man-up mentality becomes more than a slogan - it’s a necessity. That means increased roles for players like Luke Kennard, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr., and rookie Dalton Knecht.
Kennard’s shooting could be a lifeline for a team that’s going to need to find offense in unconventional ways. Bufkin and Smith Jr. will be asked to handle more ball-handling and playmaking duties, while Knecht - who’s shown flashes of scoring potential - may be thrust into a bigger spotlight than usual.
This is the kind of game where young players get a chance to prove they belong - not just as fill-ins, but as long-term contributors. Against a Spurs team that’s been rolling all season, it won’t be easy. But it’s also the kind of challenge that can galvanize a locker room.
Underdogs at Home
L.A. enters the night as a +12.5 underdog on their home floor - a rare position for a franchise that’s used to being the favorite, especially at Crypto.com Arena. But with three of their top players out and another potentially sidelined, the odds reflect the uphill battle ahead.
Still, games like these have a way of revealing a team’s character. The Lakers are searching for their 33rd win of the season, and while the deck is stacked against them, there’s always room for a surprise when young talent gets a shot and the vets still standing dig deep.
No LeBron. No Dončić.
No Reaves. Possibly no Ayton.
But the Lakers still have 48 minutes to fight - and in this league, anything can happen.