The Los Angeles Lakers are determined to maintain their winning momentum as they continue their road trip, aiming to carry it into the postseason. Their next game is against the Indiana Pacers, a team they have already defeated twice this season. However, it remаins uncertain whether LeBron James (suffering from left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Anthony Davis (dealing with a left knee hyperextension) will be available for the game.

The Lakers have listed LeBron as questionable for Friday night’s matchup due to his lingering ankle issue. He sat out the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday but returned to the court on Wednesday, eager to contribute and sustain the Lakers’ positive streak.

Davis experienced a knee tweak during the Lakers’ double-overtime victory against the Bucks. Although he played through the discomfort that night, he was rested for Wednesday’s game in Memphis. Davis is a crucial component of the Lakers’ defense, and it is imperative that the team avoids any prolonged absence from him.

On the ιnjury front, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt will both be unavailable for the game. However, there is positive news regarding Vincent, as he is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, marking his first appearance since December. Conversely, Vanderbilt has not yet received clearance for contact drills but has commenced running.

The Lakers have won five consecutive games, including the first two games of their ongoing road trip. The team is beginning to find cohesion and unity at a crucial juncture, but prioritizing player health remаins paramount. The Lakers have not fully regained their optimal condition, but they are gradually approaching that point, posing a significant threаt to the rest of the league. Taurean Prince, a veteran wing, believes that the Lakers remain formidable regardless of who is in the lineup.

Furthermore, the Lakers have demonstrated their ability to secure wins even when one or both of their superstars are absent. LeBron was absent during Tuesday’s triumph, while Davis sat out on Wednesday when the Lakers extended their winning streak to five games.

Prince attributed the Lakers’ recent success to their assertiveness and decisiveness while also commending the entire roster. He expressed his belief that the team remаins dangerous regardless of who is sidelined, and the ability of role players to perform and excel in the absence of LeBron or Davis only bolsters their confidence when the two superstars return to the court.