The Lakers are coming home and could be getting healthier on multiple fronts

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Lakers coach JJ Redick looks on during the first half of Wednesday’s game against the Warriors. (Eakin Howard / Associated Press)

LeBron James and Rui Hachimura were home sick. Anthony Davis was in the back getting his injured ankle treated. D’Angelo Russell and Jaxson Hayes weren’t healthy enough to participate in a full practice.

And still, there was optimism.

Friday marked the beginning of a stretch when the Lakers can truly unpack and get comfortable, the rigors of the NBA and its travel schedule about to slow down for the longest stretch of their season. Beginning Saturday against Sacramento, 11 of their next 14 games are in Los Angeles. Ten will be at home (one will be the Lakers’ Intuit Dome debut against the Clippers).

Heading into Friday’s games around the league, the Lakers have played a conference-high 17 road games, tied with the Jazz for most in the West. Only the Pistons and the Pacers have played more road games so far this year.

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“We’ve played together, tried to play the right way,” JJ Redick said after practice. “I think our game plan discipline has been really good. So I like where our team is at. I like where our team is trending.

“I’m going to really like it when we’re completely healthy.”

Hachimura and James are questionable Saturday because of illnesses. Davis will also be listed as questionable with the ankle injury he suffered in the first quarter on Christmas. He told The Times postgame that he expected to be “fine.”

Russell, who missed that game against the Warriors, was able to take part in the non-contact portions of Friday’s practice with his sprained thumb and seems on track to return against the Kings

And Hayes, who has played just once since Nov. 10 because of consecutive injuries to his right ankle, also participated in some of the non-contact portions of practice. He appears close to returning after Redick termed him “day to day.”

Redick said Hayes “moved well” in practice Friday, the Lakers close to adding a dynamic big back to their bench lineups.

“I…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-coming-home-could-getting-221311943.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-12-27 22:13:00

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