The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Phoenix Suns as they continue their push to secure a strong playoff seed in the Western Conference.
The Lakers’ quest involves ending their regular season with enough good vibes following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Suns have been struggling over the last several weeks.
James and Kennard Cleared to Play
During back-to-back games, the question of whether LeBron James will play in both contests always arises.
Guard Luke Kennard was listed as questionable due to a finger injury.
Both James and Kennard have been cleared to play.
Veteran Marcus Smart, who missed L.A.’s last nine games with an ankle ailment, has also been cleared. Smart will reportedly be on a minutes restriction off the bench.
Suns Without Key Player
The Suns will be without Devin Booker, their franchise player, due to an ankle injury.
Lakers’ Playoff Seeding at Stake
With a 51-29 record, L.A. is fighting for the highest possible playoff seed in the Western Conference.
It is currently in fourth place.
Depending on what the third-place Denver Nuggets and fifth-place Houston Rockets do in the next 48 hours, Los Angeles could finish as high as third or as low as fifth.