LA Lakers Injury Update: Massive LeBron James News, Concerns on Deandre Ayton's Knee Issue vs Suns (Dec. 1)

The LA Lakers will play a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. They could have notable injury issues heading into this contest. LeBron James and Marcus Smart were absent from Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. James was questionable due to left foot injury management.

Meanwhile, Smart missed a second consecutive game due to a back injury. He was doubtful before being ruled out. James will likely return against Phoenix after resting for one of the two back-to-back games. Smart will remain day-to-day as he's been dealing with his injury since Friday.

Deandre Ayton could be added to the injury list. He exited Sunday's contest against New Orleans in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Ayton was dealing with a right knee contusion last week and bumped the same leg with Pelicans center Derik Queen.

Coach JJ Redick said after the game that Ayton was in great spirits, but didn't provide an update on his injury. For now, the center can be considered day-to-day to face his former team.

Ayton was solid before his exit, scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking four shots in 27 minutes on 7 of 9 shots. He was 8 of 8 from the free throw line. Ayton's performance was key in the LA Lakers' 133-121 win.

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Lakers coach JJ Redick provides a massive update on LeBron James' status for back-to-backs this season

LeBron James' season debut was delayed after he missed the entire preseason and the first 14 games due to sciatica. He has played in four of the five games since then, missing Sunday's game due to rest. It raised questions about his status to play in back-to-backs the rest of the year.

However, JJ Redick has raised optimism around the soon-to-be 41-year-old star being available to play on consecutive days at some point. For now, the Lakers will remain cautious with James.

Khobi Price

@khobi_price

JJ Redick said the Lakers are being "cautious" with LeBron James, who's sitting out of the first night of LAL's back-to-back tonight because of left foot injury management. JJ added that the hope is for LeBron to play in both games of back-to-backs at some point this season.

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Where to watch Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers game?

The game between the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers will stream live on Peacock. Fans outside the U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 10:00 p.m. ET at the Crypto.com Arena.