LeBron James Available, Rui Hachimura Out Vs. Bucks

The Los Angeles Lakers announced LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica) has been upgraded to available while Rui Hachimura (right calif strain) has been ruled out Friday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks after both were originally listed as questionable.

In addition to Hachimura, Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) also remain out for L.A.

James is coming off a one-game absence on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, a game in which the Lakers greatly struggled offensively without him. With two days off though, it appears he recovered nicely and is ready to go for what should be a tough matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks at home.

Getting Hachimura back would have been a big boost for the Lakers as he is their best 3-point shooter, knocking them down at a 44.5% clip on 4.1 attempts in 27 games so far this season. A lot of L.A.’s struggles come down to the team’s inability to convert on open 3-point looks, which Hachimura would definitely help with.

Hachimura practiced with the South Bay Lakers earlier in the week, but he needs at least a couple of more days before potentially returning when L.A. next takes the court on Monday. In his absence, players like Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart will need to continue stepping up.

Lakers’ LeBron James status for all back-to-backs is TBD

James missed the Lakers’ most recent game against the Spurs with his current ailments given it was the second night of a back-to-back. And the 41-year old noted that his status for all back-to-backs this season should be considered TBD given his age and injury history.

“Every back-to-back, for the rest of the season, is TBD,” James said. “I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank [that answer] right now.”

The Lakers have two back-to-backs coming up next week, so LeBron’s status will continue to be monitored to see if he can play in either.