LOS ANGELES — The Lakers were without multiple key players, including all of their star ball-handlers, when they hosted the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.
The team ruled Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves out for the matchup against the Spurs, which was the second night of a back-to-back after Monday night’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James’ absence was his 18th of the season, preventing him from reaching the NBA’s 65-game threshold for end-of-season award considerations, meaning his All-NBA honors streak will end at a record 21 consecutive seasons. He was listed on the injury report with left foot arthritis.
“LeBron, obviously, dealing with the history of injuries he’s had and to start the year,” Coach JJ Redick said. “Just depends on how he wakes up the next day and as he goes through his treatment in the morning.”
Doncic was sidelined for the third consecutive game because of a strained left hamstring. Redick reiterated that Doncic’s status is day-to-day before adding that the six-time All-Star “continues to progress.” The Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday in their final game before the All-Star break.
Reaves was ruled out because of left calf injury management. Redick said the plan was for Reaves to play in either Monday or Tuesday’s game after he missed 19 consecutive games because of a strained left calf before he made his return in the Feb. 3 road win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) also weren’t available. Smart hurt his ankle during the fourth quarter of Monday’s loss, according to Redick, while Ayton was sidelined for the second time in the last three games because of a right knee ailment.