The Lakers head into Sunday’s matchup with Toronto trying to steady themselves after Friday’s 112-95 loss to the Golden State Warriors, and the latest injury report gives them a mostly encouraging update. At 4-2, Los Angeles is looking to keep from sliding any further, and with the Raptors missing Kawhi Leonard for weeks, this is a game the Lakers can’t afford to take lightly.
Los Angeles listed Adou Thiero as out because of left knee injury management, while Ziaire Williams is questionable with left heel soreness. Walker Kessler, who is dealing with a left finger splint, remains available.
Toronto’s injury list is longer. Leonard is out with left knee management, and Nate Bittle, who has a right avulsion fracture, and Malachi Smith, listed as two-way, are also sidelined.
The Lakers are getting closer to full strength, and Cameron Carr is a name to watch. He wasn’t on the latest injury report, which points to a possible debut soon.
Carr had turned heads in Summer League and training camp before an abdomen tweak slowed his progress before opening night. If he gets into the mix, it adds another layer of depth and flexibility for Los Angeles, even if he’s still a rookie without any NBA experience.
Williams’ status matters even more. He’s been in the starting lineup this season, but a heel injury has kept him out of the last two games. He still isn’t fully cleared, yet being listed as questionable is at least a step in the right direction for a wing whose athletic, two-way play has been important early on.
Kessler’s presence on the report is a little unusual since he hasn’t missed recent action. JJ Redick said Kessler hurt his hand on the backboard in a practice earlier this season, but the big man has already been made available and appears to be close to fully recovered, even if he may not be all the way back to 100 percent.
Sunday also opens a back-to-back for Los Angeles, which will host the Miami Heat a little over 24 hours after tip-off against Toronto. So this isn’t just about avoiding a second straight loss. It’s also about setting the tone for a demanding two-game stretch.
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