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HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Lakers most recently lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder by a score of 123-87 (at home).
Lakers Announce Intriguing Injury Report
GettyHead coach JJ Redick talks to Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the huddle during a timeout in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
For Thursday’s game, the Lakers have announced their injury report.
They have ruled out Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes.
Marcus Smart is questionable.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “LeBron James is available; Marcus Smart is upgraded to questionable vs. GSW, per the Lakers”
Smart Update
GettyMarcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110.
Smart has missed each of the previous eight games, so being upgraded to questionable is a good sign that a return to action is soon.
The former Oklahoma State star is averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 39.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range in 60 games.
Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation wrote (on April 7): “When LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Marcus Smart shared the floor the Lakers were +14.2 and won 74% of those games. Out of 82 games, they played together 19 times.”
Lakers Ahead Of Visit To San Francisco
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
After dealing with injuries to Reaves and Doncic, the Lakers are now in the middle of a three-game losing streak.
That said, they still find themselves as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 50-29 record in 79 games.
On the road, the Lakers have gone 24-16 in 40 games played away from Crypto.com Arena.
@LADEig wrote: “The Lakers and Rockets are now tied for the 4 seed but we own the tiebreaker 👀 Just 3 games remain for each team: Lakers: @ Warriors, Suns, Jazz Rockets: 76ers, Wolves, Grizzlies Need a strong finish so we can at least have home-court advantage in the first round 🙏”
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks past head coach JJ Redick during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Warriors Before Lakers Come To Town
The Warriors are the tenth seed in the Western Conference with a 37-42 record in 79 games.
They have won four out of their last ten games (and are 22-18 at home).
Following the Lakers, the Warriors will head to Sacramento for a showdown with the Kings on Friday night.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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