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Lakers reinforcements could be on the way for Christmas Day Rockets clash
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- Lakers reinforcements could be on the way for Christmas Day Rockets clash
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Lakers reinforcements could be on the way for Christmas Day Rockets clash appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face off against the Houston Rockets for the first time this season as part of the NBA's Christmas Day slate of games. While the Lakers have dealt with multiple injury issues early this season, they are set to possibly receive reinforcements via the team's latest injury report.
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While Luka Doncic reportedly was on track to return to the Lakers' lineup against the Rockets on Christmas Day, he has officially been listed as questionable on the injury report. A final decision on his status likely won't come until right before the game.
Doncic has been on a tear this season and has firmly planted his name in the conversation for the MVP award. He initially suffered the leg injury during the Lakers' loss to the LA Clippers last Saturday. He did not return to the game after halftime.
But the Lakers should get Rui Hachimura back in the lineup as he was officially upgraded as probable on the injury report. Hachimura has been sidelined for the past two games, both Lakers' losses, as he deals with a groin injury. Hachimura has been among the team's most consistent players, and is among the best in terms of playing off the Lakers' stars.
Jaxson Hayes is also listed as questionable for the Lakers' game against the Rockets. Hayes re-aggravated a previous ankle injury during the team's recent loss to the Phoenix Suns . Gabe Vincent was the only player who has been ruled completely out for Christmas.
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Albeit losing to the Suns on Tuesday, the Lakers welcomed both Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton back in the lineup. Reaves had been out due to a calf injury, and Ayton was nursing an elbow injury. Following the loss to the Suns, Lakers head coach JJ Redick promised that the team would have the right mentality against the Rockets.
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