NBA Player News

James (hip/foot) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Bulls, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

James has missed the past three games for the Lakers, but there's a chance he'll be able to get back out there Thursday. If James is cleared, Rui Hachimura or Marcus Smart would likely head back to the second unit, and Jake LaRavia's minutes would presumably dip.

Hayes (back) is probable for Thursday's game against Chicago, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes was downgraded to out shortly before tipoff Tuesday because of back soreness, but he's on track to return Thursday. Hayes is averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds across 17.7 minutes per game this season.

Yabusele is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to left foot soreness.

If Yabusele can't play Thursday, Nick Richards would have a chance to start, and there would be more minutes available for Lachlan Olbrich and Leonard Miller. Check back for another update on Yabusele closer to Thursday's tip.

Buzelis is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a sprained right ankle.

Buzelis popped up on the injury report for the opening leg of a back-to-back set due to an ankle injury. The second-year forward, who's fresh off his first 40-point game, is expected to play through the issue Thursday night.

Williams (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers.

Williams missed Tuesday's win over the Warriors with the ankle issue, and with Thursday's game coming as the first in a back-to-back set, it wouldn't be surprising to see Williams spend at least one more game on the sidelines. Managers can expect to get official confirmation on his status closer to Thursday's tip.

Giddey is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a right ankle sprain.

Giddey is tending to a minor ankle injury, but he's slated to play through the issue. Giddey has produced a triple-double in three of his last four games, averaging 17.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 11.5 assists across 35.5 minutes during that stretch.

Hart (knee) won't play in Wednesday's game against Utah, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.

Hart will get the night off Wednesday to nurse a sore left knee. His next chance to play will come Friday at Indiana. In the meantime, look for Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson to see an uptick in playing time.

Smith (calf) is probable for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Smith is on track to play Thursday, and managers can expect to get official confirmation on his status closer to tipoff. Thursday's match will be the first of a back-to-back set, though, so there's a chance Smith could get hit with a maintenance day Friday.

Mamukelashvili will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic reports.

Mamukelashvili made a spot start in Toronto's most recent game, but he'll move aside now that Jakob Poeltl (illness) is healthy. Mamukelashvili is averaging 9.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season as a reserve.

Sexton (leg) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers.

Sexton missed Tuesday's win over the Warriors, but there's a chance he'll be able to get back to action Thursday. If he is able to return, there will be fewer minutes available for Rob Dillingham.