{"id":127818,"date":"2025-03-10T13:00:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T17:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=127818"},"modified":"2025-03-10T13:01:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T17:01:16","slug":"lakers-vs-nets-who-must-step-up-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/10\/lakers-vs-nets-who-must-step-up-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Loaded Injury Report vs. Nets: Who Must Step Up?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The phrase \u201cnext man up\u201d 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\u2019s duel with the Nets, bringing concern over several key players as the regular season winds down.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Lakers Loaded Injury Report vs. Nets: Who Must Step Up?<\/h2>\n<h3><b>Four Lakers Out vs. Brooklyn<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Athletic\u2019s Jovan Buha <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/jovanbuha\/status\/1899107264021012747\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">posted<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the Lakers&#8217; latest injury report on X Monday morning, revealing that\u2014aside from <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LeBron James<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and his most recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/08\/lakers-lebron-james-weeks-groin-injury\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">groin strain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hayesja02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jaxson Hayes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hachiru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rui Hachimura<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/finnedo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dorian Finney-Smith<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will all be out tonight against the Nets. Hayes will miss his second game due to a right knee contusion; <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/lakers\/news\/lakers-jj-redick-provides-major-injury-update-on-rui-hachimura-01jnw3mhym37\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hachimura<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will miss his sixth straight game due to a knee injury; and Finney-Smith will miss tonight&#8217;s contest due to left ankle soreness. <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luka Doncic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meanwhile, remains questionable due to back soreness.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) has been downgraded to out for tonight\u2019s game at Brooklyn, per the Lakers.<\/p>\n<p>The Lakers will be without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Hayes. Luka Doncic remains questionable.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/jovanbuha\/status\/1899107264021012747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 10, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doncic emphasized the \u201cnext man up\u201d mentality in his postgame remarks against Boston on Saturday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHopefully it\u2019s nothing,\u201d <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/lakersnation.com\/lakers-news-luka-doncic-emphasizes-next-man-up-mentality-with-lebron-james-getting-injured\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doncic said<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of James\u2019s injury. \u201cObviously he\u2019s gotta take his time, those injuries are I wouldn\u2019t say the worst but they\u2019re tough to deal with. So just take time and we gotta have as a team next man up mentality.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Next Men Up for the Lakers<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><b>Luka Doncic<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturally, Doncic will remain the team\u2019s 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\u2019s good to go tonight, he\u2019ll look to extend a three-game streak of scoring 30+ points, a mark he has reached five times in his brief tenure with LA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Austin Reaves<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reaveau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Austin Reaves<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In three games without LeBron this season, <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.statmuse.com\/nba\/ask?q=austin+reaves+stats+without+lebron+james+2024-25\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reaves<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019 number more often tonight and in the coming weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Jarred Vanderbilt<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defensive ace <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vandeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jarred Vanderbilt<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2014more impressively\u201431.8% from deep, including <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/players\/shooting?DistanceRange=By+Zone&amp;PerMode=Totals\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7\/19 (36.8%) on corner threes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lakers will need the Vandolorian\u2019s lockdown defense, particularly with the absences up front. There\u2019s a good chance Vanderbilt will play as a small-ball five in spurts, tasked with guarding <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/claxtni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nic Claxton<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tonight and potentially <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lopezbr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brook Lopez<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jokicni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nikola Jokic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> later this week.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Gabe Vincent<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vincega01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabe Vincent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.silverscreenandroll.com\/2025\/3\/7\/24380381\/lakers-gabe-vincent-knicks-fourth-quarter-jj-redick-luka-doncic-lebron-james\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clutch shooting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lakers\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Jordan Goodwin<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, two-way Laker <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/goodwjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jordan Goodwin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has made the most of his opportunities this season, potentially playing toward a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/08\/los-angeles-lakers-expected-to-make-a-few-of-roster-moves-before-end-of-season-plus-more\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">standard contract<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite a few <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/playoffteek\/status\/1898828854040703077\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">growing pains<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Goodwin has proven himself as a quality rotation player, and head coach <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/lakersnation.com\/jj-redick-jordan-goodwin-will-be-part-of-lakers-rotation-moving-forward\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JJ Redick<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has said he\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Last Word on the Lakers&#8217; Injury Woes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a9 Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The phrase \u201cnext man up\u201d 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\u2019s duel with the Nets, bringing concern over several key players as the regular season winds down. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4265,"featured_media":127827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,6,26,62],"tags":[4556,2272,2941,1962,38,1133,1749],"class_list":["post-127818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-nets","category-lakers","category-nba","tag-austin-reaves","tag-dorian-finney-smith","tag-jarred-vanderbilt","tag-jaxson-hayes","tag-lebron-james","tag-luka-doncic","tag-rui-hachimura"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127818"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":127832,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127818\/revisions\/127832"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/127827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}