JJ Redick expects Lakers to have Luka Doncic, others back vs. Clippers

When the Los Angeles Lakers return from the All-Star break on Friday, they expect to have their full complement of players for a change.

Head coach JJ Redick said Thursday all players would be available for the Lakers’ contest against the rival Clippers, including Luka Doncic.

The NBA scoring leader (32.8 points per game) sat out four games before the break due to a mild hamstring strain. And starting center Deandre Ayton missed the last two games with a sore right knee.

Redick said Austin Reaves’ minutes restriction would be lifted. Reaves (calf) returned from a five-week absence Feb. 3 and played between 20 and 29 minutes in his first five games back.

An official injury report for the game was not available as of 4 p.m. PT.

The trio of LeBron James, Doncic and Reaves has played together just 10 times so far for the Lakers (33-21), who are fifth in the Western Conference ahead of the stretch run. Each has dealt with injury concerns throughout the season.

Doncic has played 42 games and averaged 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds to go with his NBA-best scoring. Reaves has only played 28 games and is second on the team with 25.4 points per game as well as 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds.

James, who missed the start of the season while dealing with sciatica in his right side, has played 36 games and averaged 22.0 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds.

In his first season in Los Angeles, Ayton has put up 13.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game in 46 appearances.

–Field Level Media