The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of one of the worst losses in franchise history and the biggest loss of LeBron James' career. LeBron was obviously very unhappy after his team's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers making Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons more meaningful.
A loss to the Pistons, after losing in that fashion to the 76ers, would be truly devastating. Detroit has lost 14 games in a row leading into Wednesday's game. Losing to a team of that quality is inexcusable for the Lakers, regardless of what happened the game before.
That being said, the Lakers are still shorthanded with several rotation players on the injury report. LeBron also finds himself on the injury report as well, which could complicate matters further. Thankfully, it does not appear to be as serious for LeBron as others.
Is LeBron James playing tonight vs Pistons?
LeBron James has been listed as questionable with a calf injury for Wednesday night's game. But that is nothing to fret about for Lakers fans as that has been the case since LeBron initially suffered the injury weeks ago.
LeBron missed just one game with the injury and it seemed to be for rest more than anything else. Since the injury, LeBron has been listed as questionable for every single game and has played in every single game. Barring a last-minute setback, that should be the case in this game as well.
All that being said, Wednesday is the first leg of a road back-to-back as the Lakers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. It would not be surprising if LeBron were to sit that game out to avoid over-taxing his body.
Full Lakers injury report vs Pistons:
Anthony Davis is also on the injury report but his situation is similar to LeBron's. He has been listed as probable in every recent Lakers game with the hip/groin injury that he missed time with. Davis has played in all of those games and should play on Wednesday.
Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt all remain out. Vanderbilt seems to have turned the corner and should return sooner rather than later. Hachimura will be re-evaluated Friday after having surgery last week on his fractured nose. Vincent is scheduled to be re-evaluated later this week as well.
Cam Reddish has missed several games with a groin injury but it looks like there is a good chance that he plays against the Pistons. Reddish is listed as probable to return.
Full Pistons injury report vs Lakers:
Detroit is dealing with several injuries to key rotation players on Wednesday. Bojan Bogdanovic (calf), Joe Harris (shoulder), and Monte Morris (quad) will not play. Bogdanovic and Harris do not appear to have significant injuries, while Morris will be out for several months for the injury he suffered earlier in November.
Even if LeBron doesn't play, the Lakers should be in good shape against a bottom-feeding Pistons team, and you can cash in on it at FanDuel! Just sign up, deposit $10 or more and then use $5 or more of that on LA's moneyline odds. If the Lakers win, you'll win $150 in bonus bets. Sign up with FanDuel today!