Lakers Injury Report: Anthony Davis, LeBron James Downgraded For Bulls Game

Can the post-IST hangover stop already?

Your slumping 15-12 Los Angeles Lakers could be missing their two best players tonight, as they head to the United Center to do battle with one-time NBA Finals opponent the Chicago Bulls (currently nowhere close to recapturing their Michael Jordan-era glory at 11-17). The action tips off at 5 p.m. PT.

According to the NBA's most recent injury report, All-NBA power forward LeBron James (left calf contusion) and star center Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain/bone bruise) have both been downgraded to questionable ahead of the contest. 

Rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino (low back spasm) is the only player on the team's standard roster who's officially out. That's right, folks, backup point guard Gabe Vincent is probable to play his whopping fifth game for LA, after being shelved with a left knee effusion for most of the season to this point! Power forward Jarred Vanderbilt (left heel bursitis) is also probable.

The Bulls, not to be outdone, will definitely be missing one of their own All-Stars, shooting guard Zach LaVine, who's also been the subject of endless Lakers trade speculation as a maximum-salaried Klutch Sports client. LaVine is dealing with "right foot inflammation," which is a fancy way of saying the Bulls are sitting him until they can trade him. 

Chicago will also be missing ex-Laker Lonzo Ball, who's miss his second straight full season as he recovers from his third straight knee surgery. The 6'6" UCLA product, a Chino Hills native who spent his first two seasons in LA after being picked No. 2 overall in the 2017 draft, has appeared in just 35 games total for the Bulls since inking a four-year, $80 million deal in the summer of 2021. He has a $21.4 million player option for 2024-25 that he's almost certain to pick up given that, you know, his pro playing days may be over.

Former 2020 title-winning Lakers guard Alex Caruso, an All-Defensive Teamer with the Bulls last season, is probable to suit up despite a left ankle sprain. Caruso is an injury risk every second he's on the floor, so he's always hurting in one way or another.

Bulls reserve forward Torrey Craig is on the shelf with a right plantar fascia sprain. Forward Patrick Williams (right calf strain), an intriguing restricted free agent next summer if the price is right, is probable to play.