Lakers Missing Key Players for Game Against Bucks

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers will be missing three players for their Saturday matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Star forward LeBron James, as well as Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura, are sidelined due to injuries.

Hachimura was ruled out with left calf soreness, making this the second consecutive game he will miss for the Lakers. The 27-year-old recently contributed 14 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he displayed solid shooting performance from the field.

In addition to Hachimura, guard Marcus Smart has appeared on the team’s injury report with a viral illness and is listed as questionable for the game. Smart played 34 minutes in Friday’s matchup, scoring 13 points, while contributing five rebounds and five assists.

Despite missing key players, the Lakers managed to secure a victory against the Pelicans on Friday, with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton leading the team. The Lakers won 118-104, improving their record to 2-0 in NBA Cup play. Now, they prepare to face the Bucks and aim to push their record to 10-4.

The Lakers will depend on Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia to step up in the absence of Hachimura and possibly Smart. Both players have been called to carry the load against the Bucks as the Lakers strategize to continue their winning streak.

As the Lakers approach the game, they remain optimistic about their performance despite the challenges posed by injuries. A win against the Bucks could further solidify their standing in the Western Conference.