The phrase “next man up” could not be more true for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been hit with the injury bug over the last few days. The team posted a laundry list of absences ahead of tonight’s duel with the Nets, bringing concern over several key players as the regular season winds down.
Lakers Loaded Injury Report vs. Nets: Who Must Step Up?
Four Lakers Out vs. Brooklyn
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha posted the Lakers’ latest injury report on X Monday morning, revealing that—aside from LeBron James and his most recent groin strain—Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith will all be out tonight against the Nets. Hayes will miss his second game due to a right knee contusion; Hachimura will miss his sixth straight game due to a knee injury; and Finney-Smith will miss tonight’s contest due to left ankle soreness. Luka Doncic, meanwhile, remains questionable due to back soreness.
Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game at Brooklyn, per the Lakers.
The Lakers will be without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Hayes. Luka Doncic remains questionable.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 10, 2025
Doncic emphasized the “next man up” mentality in his postgame remarks against Boston on Saturday.
“Hopefully it’s nothing,” Doncic said of James’s injury. “Obviously he’s gotta take his time, those injuries are I wouldn’t say the worst but they’re tough to deal with. So just take time and we gotta have as a team next man up mentality.”
Next Men Up for the Lakers
Luka Doncic
Naturally, Doncic will remain the team’s anchor with several of his teammates sidelined. The Slovenian superstar has grown comfortable with the purple and gold a month after his move from Dallas. Over 11 games with the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 24.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game on .411/.324/.747 splits. Assuming he’s good to go tonight, he’ll look to extend a three-game streak of scoring 30+ points, a mark he has reached five times in his brief tenure with LA.
The Lakers will rely heavily on Doncic with James out, and the next couple of weeks may provide a glimpse into what a post-LeBron Laker team could look like.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has already been on a tear for the Lakers this season, averaging a career-best 18.8 points and 5.8 assists per game on 44% shooting from the field and 36% from three. His scoring and playmaking duties will only increase with the absence of James and other three-level threats in Hachimura and Finney-Smith.
In three games without LeBron this season, Reaves has put up 29.7 points, 9.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game on .500/.524/.870 splits. The fourth-year guard has shown an ability to shift into another gear when James misses time. Expect Redick to call Reaves’ number more often tonight and in the coming weeks.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt has looked like a brand new player since returning from foot and knee surgeries that derailed parts of his last two seasons. In 18 games this year, Vando has averaged 4.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He has also shot 48% from the field, and—more impressively—31.8% from deep, including 7/19 (36.8%) on corner threes.
The Lakers will need the Vandolorian’s lockdown defense, particularly with the absences up front. There’s a good chance Vanderbilt will play as a small-ball five in spurts, tasked with guarding Nic Claxton tonight and potentially Brook Lopez and Nikola Jokic later this week.
Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent previously drew ire from fans due to his prolonged absences and disappointing play last season. However, he has quickly won them over this year with solid performances and clutch shooting.
The Lakers’ depleted depth will force Vincent to take a bigger role off the bench, something he is well-equipped to handle amid his standout play as of late. Vincent has finally turned a corner and become the backup guard the team expected him to be. These next few games will be an excellent test for the veteran and his ability to steady the second unit.
Jordan Goodwin
Finally, two-way Laker Jordan Goodwin has made the most of his opportunities this season, potentially playing toward a standard contract. Suiting up for his fourth team in as many years, the 26-year-old has averaged 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists on .500/.368/.667 splits in nine games this year.
Despite a few growing pains, Goodwin has proven himself as a quality rotation player, and head coach JJ Redick has said he’ll be receiving regular minutes going forward. With over a month of regular season action remaining, Goodwin will continue to fight for opportunities, and the next few games are the perfect window to show he belongs with the Lakers and in the league.
The Last Word on the Lakers’ Injury Woes
Though all injured Lakers should make their returns in the coming weeks, their latest stretch gives other stars and star role players opportunities to take the reins. The Lakers battle the Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT in a locally televised matchup.
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