Doncic is expected to return tomorrow against the Grizzlies! Smart's condition has improved, while James and three others remain sidelined.

On October 31st Beijing time, the Lakers released an updated injury report for the upcoming game versus the Grizzlies. Doncic (left finger sprain, left calf bruise) and Smart (right quadriceps bruise) are now listed as questionable with a 50% likelihood of playing. James (right sciatic nerve pain), Kleber (abdominal muscle strain), Aldridge-Tierro (recovering from left knee surgery), and Vincent (left ankle sprain) remain absent. Hayes is no longer on the injury list and is expected to play against the Grizzlies.

Tomorrow's match against the Grizzlies will be the first NBA Cup game of the new season. The Lakers were champions of the inaugural NBA Cup.

Doncic’s near return was anticipated by many. Three days ago, Lakers reporter McMenamin shared that sources within the team are optimistic about Doncic’s injury. They believe it won’t extend from one week to two, or two weeks to three. Giving him some time now should resolve the issue. However, the Lakers are handling Doncic’s recovery very cautiously, aiming for him to peak between April and June to contend for the championship.

As for James, he is expected to need two to three more weeks to recover, targeting a return to the court by mid-November.

McMenamin stated that James’s rehab is progressing well, with everything moving as planned. He has not experienced any setbacks and, since he is not playing, there’s no need for him to travel back and forth. He can stay in Los Angeles to focus on his recovery during this time.

James and Doncic don’t need to rush back because Reeves has been in excellent form lately. Averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, these are Reeves’s stats so far this season. The Lakers currently hold a 3-2 record, sitting 6th in the Western Conference.