The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be peaking at the right time as the regular season nears its final stretch. Los Angeles has won 14 of its last 16 games, riding a wave of strong play to maintain its hold on the third seed in the Western Conference and position themselves well heading into the postseason race. Friday’s 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets improved the Lakers’ record to 48-26.
On Monday, they host a struggling Washington Wizards squad, one of the poorest teams in the Eastern Conference, and are expected to come out with another win. However, Los Angeles will be doing so short‑handed.
Star guard Luka Doncic will miss Monday’s game due to a one‑game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season, an automatic violation under NBA rules. The most recent technical was assessed during a game against the Nets following an altercation with Ziaire Williams, and the NBA has upheld the suspension.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) helps guard Luka Doncic (77).Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images)
This will be the first game Doncic has missed since returning from the All‑Star break, snapping a 20-game streak for the six‑time All‑Star.
Compounding the Lakers’ backcourt depth issues is the absence of Marcus Smart. Smart has missed the last three games while recovering from a right ankle contusion. On Sunday, the Lakers released its injury report, confirming Smart will miss his fourth straight game against Washington.
With both Doncic and Smart out of the lineup, head coach JJ Redick may be forced to make a decision he has only made once this season: starting Bronny James.
James, now in his second NBA season, has split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he continues his development. Through the 2025-26 season, he has averaged 2.1 points, 1.1 assists and 0.5 rebounds in 7.1 minutes of NBA action, but has impressed at times when given the opportunity.
On Saturday, James was assigned to the G League for South Bay’s final regular season matchup, where he turned in a team‑high performance. He scored a season‑high 26 points on 9‑of‑12 shooting (6‑of‑8 from three), along with seven rebounds and five assists, before being recalled by the Lakers for Monday’s game.
His most recent NBA appearance came against the Nets, where he scored three points in four minutes, hitting a three‑pointer that made history as an assist from his father, LeBron James.
It remains to be seen whether Redick will indeed start James on Monday, but with the Lakers’ backcourt thin and roster decisions looming, the young guard may be in line for another meaningful opportunity. Tip-off is set for 10 pm ET on NBA League Pass.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.