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Ayton averaged 13 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in wins over the Knicks, Timberwolves, Bulls and Nuggets after coming back from a one-game injury absence. When Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber were sidelined for games against Minnesota and Chicago, Ayton starred with back-to-back double-doubles. “Felt like I picked up my energy and my focus,” Ayton said. “I finally caught up with the team.”
Law Murray: LeBron James and Marcus Smart are available for Saturday vs Nuggets Jaxson Hayes (back) probably is as well Maxi Kleber (back) is out
Dave McMenamin: JJ Redick says the team hopes to have Marcus Smart (hip) available against Denver on Saturday. He added that Jaxson Hayes received imaging on his back, and the team is awaiting results. And that Maxi Kleber will miss some more time as he deals with his recurring lumbar issue
Dave McMenamin: Jaxson Hayes (back soreness), Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) and Marcus Smart (right hip contusion) are out tonight vs. CHI, per the Lakers. LeBron James (left foot arthritis, right hip contusion) remains questionable.
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Law Murray: Lakers report that Marcus Smart (hip) is doubtful for tomorrow vs Bulls Jaxson Hayes (back) is probable and Maxi Kleber (back) is questionable LeBron James (hip) is also questionable
Dave McMenamin: The Lakers will be without both of their backup big men tonight: Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) and Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) are both out.
Khobi Price: LeBron James is a gametime decision and Maxi Kleber is available today vs. New York, JJ Redick says.
Dan Woike: JJ Redick says the Lakers believe LeBron James will be available Sunday with his elbow contusion. Maxi Kleber got imaging on his back and is day to day. Deandre Ayton is also day to day.
Law Murray: The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled LeBron James (left elbow contusion, foot), Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness), and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) out for tonight vs Pacers It will be the first time since the All-Star Break that the Luka/Bron/AR three-man lineup won't play
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Dan Woike: No Maxi Kleber tonight for the Lakers, the team says
With Thursday’s trade deadline approaching, that path has only narrowed further. League sources say the Lakers have mostly been pushed to the margins. Some of it is their own doing. The Lakers’ strategy is built on preserving as much cap space as possible next summer when LeBron James’ $52 million contract expires and Austin Reaves’ cap hold projects to be half of his eventual salary. They will also have another $22.5 million coming off the books when contracts expire for veterans Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent.
The current timeline is adding to a roster with Doncic, James and Reaves while focusing on financial flexibility in future years. The Lakers have over $40 million of expiring contracts consisting of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. They also have a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick to trade if needed. The future timeline is building a roster around Doncic and Reaves. With Doncic under contract for the next three seasons, the Lakers could have up to $50 million in cap space this offseason and nearly double that amount in 2027. They will also have three first-rounders (2026, 2031 and 2033) available to trade starting the night of the draft.
