Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Jaxson Hayes & Maxi Kleber Update

After winning four straight games, the Los Angeles Lakers will face a tough challenge on Saturday, facing Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.

The team has been dealing with some injuries over the last few games, but Los Angeles got some good news on Friday, with only two players on the injury report.

LeBron James & Marcus Smart Off Lakers’ Injury Report

Mar 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Even though Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) are still on the report, LeBron James and Marcus Smart have been cleared to play. Hayes is currently considered probable to play against the Nuggets, while Kleber remains out.

James made his return to the floor on Thursday night after missing three straight games due to a hip contusion and left foot arthritis. He looked as if he hadn't missed any time, racking up 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block.

Although Kleber still being on the mend is concerning, as he has made an impact when he sees time on the floor, the Lakers are trending in the right direction when it comes to injuries. James and Smart no longer being on the injury report is crucial for this team moving forward and having Hayes nearing his return is also a significant step in the right direction.

Lakers Being at Full Strength is Crucial Moving Forward

Mar 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick watches against the New York Knicks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Lakers being at full strength is paramount to the team's success in the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign. Smart, and most likely Hayes, joining James back on the floor heading into Saturday's game against the Nuggets definitely increases the team's chances of winning a fifth straight game and getting a big win over Denver, which will directly impact the standings in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles heads into the final 16 regular-season games left on their schedule in a tight race for playoff positioning in the West. As a result of Thursday's win against the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers are now sitting in third place in the conference, with only the San Antonio Spurs (48-18) and defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (52-15) ahead of them.

At this point, jumping to No. 2 or No. 1 seems highly unlikely, but holding onto No. 3 is a realistic possibility, even though the team will face some stiff competition the rest of the way.

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