Getting a clear read on the Lakers roster lately is like trying to predict the weather in a hurricane. One minute they look like championship contenders, and the next, the training room is more crowded than the bench. If you’re looking at the lakers injury report tomorrow for the January 17th matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, things are getting a little weird.
We aren’t just talking about the usual "load management" stuff. There are actual, nagging issues that are starting to pile up at the worst possible time.
The Big Question Marks for Portland
Honestly, the biggest headache right now is Jaxson Hayes. He’s been dealing with hamstring tendinopathy—which is basically a fancy way of saying his hamstring is flared up and angry from overuse. JJ Redick mentioned earlier this week that they’re hoping he can return by the weekend. Tomorrow is that "weekend" mark.
If he’s back, it’s a massive win for the paint. If not? Well, things get thin.
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Then there is Luka Doncic. Yeah, if you haven't been keeping up, the roster looks a lot different in 2026. Luka has been battling a thigh issue that’s kept him on the "questionable" list for a few days now. He’s the engine of this offense. Without him, the Lakers go from a surgical scoring machine to a team that just sort of chucks it and prays.
Who is Definitely Out?
Don't expect to see these faces on the court at the Moda Center tomorrow:
- Austin Reaves: He’s still nursing a Grade 2 calf strain. Word is he won't even be re-evaluated until late January.
- Adou Thiero: The rookie was a spark plug earlier in the season, but that right MCL sprain is serious. He’s likely out until at least February.
- Rui Hachimura: His calf strain has been a "day-to-day" thing for what feels like forever, but he hasn't been cleared for full contact yet.
What about LeBron and AD?
It’s 2026, and LeBron James is still out here playing high-level ball at 41. It’s actually kind of insane. But he’s human. He’s been managing foot arthritis and some sciatica issues on his right side. Usually, he’s a game-time decision. If he feels a "twinge" in warmups, he sits. If he’s feeling good, he’ll give you 25 and 7 like it’s nothing.
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Anthony Davis is the one everyone is whispering about. There’s been a ton of noise regarding a hand injury. Shams Charania reported it might be season-ending, but AD himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to tell everyone to "stop listening to lies."
Regardless of the drama, he hasn't been in the lineup for the last couple of games. For tomorrow? He isn't officially ruled out yet, but the smart money says he’s a long shot.
Why the Blazers are a Trap Game
The Trail Blazers aren't exactly world-beaters this season (20-22), but they’re scrappy at home. Deni Avdija is having a career year, and Shaedon Sharpe can explode for 30 points if you don't play tight defense on the perimeter.
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Without Reaves and potentially without Hayes or AD, the Lakers' interior defense is... well, it’s questionable. They’ve been giving up way too many easy buckets around the rim lately. If they don't get some size back on the floor tomorrow, Portland's Donovan Clingan is going to have a field day on the boards.
Managing the Rotation
Coach Redick has been forced to get creative. We’ve seen a lot more of Jarred Vanderbilt and even Marcus Smart lately. It’s not ideal, but it’s what they’ve got. The Lakers are sitting at 24-15 right now, which is solid, but they’ve lost three of their last four.
They need this win to stop the bleeding before they head home to face Toronto on Sunday.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re watching the lakers injury report tomorrow to make a move or just to plan your Saturday night, keep these things in mind:
- Wait for the 3:00 PM PST Update: This is usually when the Lakers drop the most "final" version of the report before the game-time warmups.
- Watch the Line: If the spread suddenly jumps in favor of Portland, it almost certainly means Luka or LeBron has been ruled out.
- The "Jaxson Hayes" Factor: If Hayes is cleared, the Lakers' chances of winning the rebounding battle go up by about 20%. He’s been that important for their second unit.
- DFS Alert: If Luka sits, Marcus Smart becomes a must-start for the price. His usage rate sky-rockets when the primary ball-handlers are out.
Keep an eye on the official team social media accounts about two hours before tip-off. That’s when the "Active/Inactive" list becomes official. For now, expect a "next man up" mentality in Portland.