The Lakers will be severely undermanned in Sunday’s duel with the Jazz. Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish will all be out. Russell and Reddish are both dealing with illnesses while Reaves is out with a pelvic contusion after taking a hard fall in Friday’s game against the Thunder.
Gabe Vincent will start, JJ Redick revealed pregame. Max Christie will also get a good amount of run while Jalen Hood-Schifino is expected to play.
Gabe Vincent starts for the Lakers tonight. Jalen Hood-Schifino will play.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 1, 2024
Unfortunately, that will likely be all of the Lakers’ guard rotation on Sunday. Two-way signing Quincy Olivari is injured and has not played in recent G League games, so he is out.
Likewise, Bronny James has been battling an injury and is also out with a left heel contusion, so he won’t be a go in this one. So, it’ll be a lot of Dalton Knecht, Vincent, Christie and JHS.
With the trio out, the Lakers basically only have enough healthy players for a rotation and nothing else. With Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, that’s basically their rotation. Two-way signing Christian Koloko could see time, as well as Armel Traore, but that is the extent of the players who will be available.
As for the trio that is out, the team heads to Minnesota for a back-to-back on Monday, so D’Lo and Reddish will need a quick turnaround to be available. As for Reaves, that was a pretty scary fall and while he finished the game on Friday, it’s unsurprising that he tightened up and felt worse after the game.
The team will also have stops in Miami and Atlanta this week on their road trip. The quicker they return, the better for the Lakers, who are going to be facing a very uphill task without them.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.