{"id":707676,"date":"2026-04-10T21:21:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/707676\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T21:21:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:21:24","slug":"lakers-could-miss-key-guard-vs-suns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/707676\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Could Miss Key Guard vs Suns"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Lakers\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Lakers head coach JJ Redick shows frustration during a game as injuries mounting, including a questionable tag on Luke Kennard against the Phoenix Suns. <\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> could be without one of their key contributors Friday night, with Luke Kennard<\/a> listed as questionable<\/a> against the Phoenix Suns<\/a> due to left finger injury management.<\/p>\n

Kennard logged 32 minutes in Thursday\u2019s game and may be held out on the second night of a back-to-back as the Lakers continue to manage workloads late in the regular season.<\/p>\n

His potential absence would come at a challenging time for Los Angeles, which remains without Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> and Austin Reaves<\/a> due to injuries.<\/p>\n

Kennard Taking on Expanded Role\"Luke<\/p>\n

GettyLuke Kennard of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Deandre Ayton<\/a>, Austin Reaves, LeBron James<\/a>, Luka Doncic and Jake LaRavia<\/a> after scoring a go-ahead three-point-basket in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kennard has stepped into a significantly larger role since Don\u010di\u0107 and Reaves went down.<\/p>\n

Over his last three games, he has averaged 13.0 points, 9.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds, serving as one of the Lakers\u2019 primary ball-handlers and facilitators.<\/p>\n

That shift has required an adjustment for a player known more for shooting than playmaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s something I haven\u2019t really done, especially I haven\u2019t done it this year at all being that involved and having the ball in my hands that much,\u201d Kennard said<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something I\u2019ve done before, I\u2019m comfortable with. Obviously, I gotta be better with it\u2026 it\u2019s just getting everybody connected, being organized out there and just being confident with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Triple-Double Effort Highlights Versatility<\/p>\n

Kennard showcased that expanded role in Sunday\u2019s loss to Dallas, where he recorded 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists while playing a team-high 41 minutes.<\/p>\n

The performance marked one of the most complete outings of his career, even as he struggled with his shooting efficiency, finishing 5-of-17 from the field.<\/p>\n

Despite that, Kennard emphasized that aggressiveness remains his priority.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still need to be aggressive and look for my shot,\u201d he said. \u201cWe can talk about efficiency, percentages, all that. That\u2019s not even a thing for me. It\u2019s being aggressive\u2026 trying to get our team the best look that we can get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kennard added that the expanded role is something he is still adjusting to but views as an opportunity for growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t really been in this position much\u2026 but something I\u2019m looking forward to being better at and getting better with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lakers Could Turn to Young Guards<\/p>\n

If Kennard is unable to play, the Lakers may need to rely more heavily on younger players.<\/p>\n

Nick Smith<\/a> Jr. and Bronny James<\/a> are among the options who could see increased minutes, particularly in ball-handling roles.<\/p>\n

The team has already been forced to stretch its rotation with multiple injuries, making depth a key factor heading into Friday\u2019s matchup.<\/p>\n

Marcus Smart Return Provides Stability for Lakers\"Marcus<\/p>\n

GettyMarcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers dives for a loose ball.<\/p>\n

The potential absence of Kennard could be offset<\/a> by the return of Marcus Smart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Smart has been cleared to play after missing nine consecutive games with a bruised right ankle. His return gives the Lakers a veteran presence on the perimeter and another option to handle defensive assignments.<\/p>\n

Smart has averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game this season, along with 1.4 steals.<\/p>\n

He also leads the team in plus\/minus at +238 across 60 games, highlighting his overall impact.<\/p>\n

Playoff Positioning Remains Tight<\/p>\n

The Lakers enter Friday\u2019s game still battling for positioning in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n

They trail the Denver Nuggets<\/a> by one game for the No. 3 seed and are tied with the Houston Rockets<\/a> for the No. 4 spot, which carries homecourt advantage in the first round.<\/p>\n

The tight jockeying for favorable seeding adds urgency to availability decisions, particularly for players like Kennard who have taken on expanded roles.<\/p>\n

With injuries continuing to reshape the rotation, Kennard\u2019s status adds another layer of uncertainty for a Lakers team trying to hold its position heading into the postseason.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAlder Almo<\/a> is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Lakers\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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