Lakers Decide to Rest Key Players for Season Finale Against Trail Blazers

In a widely anticipated move, the Los Angeles Lakers have chosen to rest nearly their entire lineup for the final regular-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers this Sunday.

Having already secured the No. 3 seed with their victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday, the Lakers are opting to sit key players in their season-ending match-up. Sitting out due to various injuries are Luka Dončić (left quad soreness), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle issue), Rui Hachimura (left knee tendon problem), LeBron James (left groin strain), Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery), and Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain).

Additionally, Jaxson Hayes (right hand bruise), Jarred Vanderbilt (left foot maintenance), and Gabe Vincent (left knee swelling) are listed as questionable, leaving their game participation uncertain. Meanwhile, Jordan Goodwin is likely to play as he deals with right plantar fasciitis.

Even though the Trail Blazers won’t be competing in the playoffs, they have their own reasons, inspired by Cooper Flagg, to rest players on Sunday. As a result, multiple players will be absent, including Deandre Ayton (left calf strain), Jerami Grant (right knee inflammation), Scoot Henderson (concussion protocol), Bryce McGowens (right rib fracture), Anfernee Simons (right forearm bruise), and Robert Williams III (left knee management).