The Los Angeles Lakers are all set to host Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, 19th March at the Crypto.com Arena. All eyes would be on whether LeBron James and Rui Hachimura feature against the Nuggets.
Will LeBron James and Rui Hachimura feature against Denver Nuggets?
The Lakers see themselves fourth in the Western Conference as they have a record of 42-25 and they go against a third placed Nuggets who have a record of 44-25. LeBron James will miss the match against the Nuggets as he is dealing with a groin strain and will make a return to the court on March 24th against the Orlando Magic. Hachimura will also be sidelined for the game as he is expected to make a comeback later this week as he recovering from a left patellar tendinopathy.
James and Hachimura's absence from the clash against Nuggets come as a major blow for the Los Angeles Lakers as they went-on a 4-0 record while on their four-game road trip. The consecutive losses for Lakers meant that they slipped down to the fifth spot before winning against the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs to climb the fourth spot.
LeBron James has been averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists, while shooting 51.7% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc. On the other hand, Hachimura has been averaging 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the 50 games he has featured in this season. Both of the players' availability and their health would vital for Lakers as they eye the third spot in the Western Conference.
LeBron James would return against Orlando Magic
All eyes would be on LeBron James when he makes a return to the court for their clash against Orlando Magic. The King is all set to miss the clash against Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks on March 20th.
He would be available for the match against the Magic as Lakers hit the road for a four-game trip. They will play the likes of Magic, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies.
The games against Pacers and Bulls will be the last back-to-back games for LA in this year's regular season.