Lakers Announce Key Injury Updates on 4 Starters Ahead of Suns Clash

Nov 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) is congratulated by forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) after a three-point basket in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

By the end of the Los Angeles Lakers' forgettable 103-88 blowout loss to the lowly Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, the Lakers were missing a whopping four starters — plus five of their top seven players.

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Combo forward Rui Hachimura, center Deandre Ayton and guard Austin Reaves had all been ruled out ahead of the contest — as had reserve guard Gabe Vincent.

But midway through the game, five-time All-NBA First Team guard Doncic left for good. It was later revealed that he had been diagnosed with a left leg contusion. Dalton Knecht (!) had to be pressed into service as a second-half starter.

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided an update on each of these critical pieces prior to his team's next game, a road showdown against the Phoenix Suns.

JJ Redick with an injury update on the Lakers: Luka, AR and Rui remain day to day. Ayton was a full participant in practice. Vincent is out. pic.twitter.com/4y7uuJehg2

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 22, 2025

"Luka has a lower left leg contusion, he'll be day-to-day," Redick told reporters. "AR [Reaves] participated partially in practice today, he'll be day-to-day. Rui [Hachimura], also day-to-day, no real update there. And then DA [Ayton] was a full participant. I think he's off the injury report... Gabe is still out."

According to the league's latest injury report, Reaves has been upgraded from a lingering left calf strain, and is now considered questionable to suit up.

But Hachimura has already been ruled out with a sore right groin. Vincent continues to nurse a lumbar back strain, and will miss another key cog. To Redick's point, Ayton is available.

Phoenix will be missing former No. 2 draft pick Jalen Green due to a strained right hamstring. Former Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin, meanwhile, is now available.

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Sharpshooting Phoenix wing Grayson Allen is doubtful to play through a right knee injury.

In a correlating move, the Lakers recalled second-year guard Bronny James to their main roster. He had been submitting erratic shooting totals with the Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

Although they boast a 19-8 record, a lot of the Lakers' early-season success is clearly a credit to Doncic and Reaves. Without them, Bronny's dad may have to carry the load for a couple games.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.