While Lakers coach JJ Redick spoke after practice Monday about the long list of his players who will be included for Tuesday night’s game in Phoenix, he at least knew center Deandre Ayton would return after missing the past two games with left elbow soreness.
Redick said Luka Doncic (left calf bruise), Austin Reeves (mild left calf strain) and Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness) are struggling day-to-day. However, Gabe Vincent (lower back tightness) is still out.
Redick said Doncic was injured when Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic kneed him during Saturday night’s game at Intuit Dome.
Redick said the Lakers noticed that Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring (34.1) and fourth in assists (8.8), is getting hit in the lower leg more often during games.
“It might just be a trick. I don’t know,” Redick said, referring to the way Doncic changes his speed when the ball is in his hands. “The way he uses his body? I don’t know. We’ll have to…we’re talking about looking into ways to potentially protect against these collisions, sort of.”
Reeves missed the last three games to recover from his injury. He was seen on the court shooting after practice on Monday, prompting the media to ask Redick what it will take for his goalie to be back on the court soon.
“I think given the nature of that area, I think he feels 100% confident and doesn’t feel pain,” Reddick said. “It’s fun, guys. It’s fun. It’s fun. It’s a fun day to talk about injuries.”
Redick said there was no real update on Hachimura’s injury, but Ayton was a full participant in practice.
Ayton, who ranks second in the NBA in field goal percentage (71%) and is averaging 15.3 points and 9.0 rebounds, was asked if he would play against the Suns.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I’m straight. Absolutely.”