The Lakers are coming back from the All-Star break with a healthier team than when they went in.
Coach JJ Redick mentioned to reporters after Thursday’s first practice that everyone will be available for the home game against the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
If all players make the active roster for the game, it will mark the first time this season they’ve been at full strength.
“There’s only so much you can control,” Redick said. “As a coach, you have no say in that. Players can control their preparation and recovery, but ultimately, it’s up to the basketball gods to decide health. That’s just the reality. We’re not the only team facing health struggles this season.”
Redick continued by sharing the message he had for the players that morning: they would be at full speed for the remaining 28 games. He noted the season was about to kick off again and that there wouldn’t be much time between games until the end of March.
“Coming off the All-Star break, we have a chance to showcase some of our best basketball. There have been positive signs on both sides of the ball, and it’s a great time as we’re getting fully healthy,” he added.
Luka Doncic expressed he felt good after Thursday’s practice and is expected to play against the Clippers after missing the last four and a half games due to a left hamstring strain suffered during a win over the 76ers on February 5.
Doncic participated in just five minutes during the first of two All-Star Games involving Team World on Sunday.
Meanwhile, star guard Austin Reeves, who had been limited to playing between 21 and 29 minutes in five games after returning from a strained left calf, will no longer have those restrictions.
Friday will likely be the first time since February 5 that Doncic, Reeves, and LeBron James all play together in a game.
“It feels great,” Reeves remarked. “There’s still time for the whole team to be together on the court, and that’s exciting. Thursday was a solid first step as we gear up for these 28 games, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
