David Chao, MD
2 min read • October 21, 2024
Posted in
Jamal Murray tweaked his knee on October 13 during a preseason game. He told trainers his knee felt "funny," leading to his precautionary removal from the game. The team has not specified which knee was affected, as both were wrapped afterward. Murray previously tore his left ACL in 2021.
Peyton Watson has been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the preseason, causing him to miss every game. Watson, who plays in the second unit behind Michael Porter Jr., is ramping up in hopes of a regular-season return, but his status will be determined closer to that time.
Julius Randle is expected to be limited at the start of training camp due to a shoulder injury. He underwent a procedure in April and was given a five-month re-evaluation timetable. Randle aims to make his preseason debut in the final game before the regular season.
Mike Conley is not currently injured, but the 36-year-old veteran, entering his 18th season, will be on a maintenance plan. Head coach Chris Finch has informed Conley that he will have multiple rest days throughout the season.
Jaylin Williams has been ruled out for the entire preseason due to a hamstring injury and will be re-evaluated afterward. It's unclear whether he will miss any regular-season games.
Kenrich Williams underwent an arthroscopic debridement on his right knee. He will be re-evaluated at the end of the preseason but is currently engaging in light activities.
Robert Williams sustained a hamstring injury at the start of training camp, sidelining him for two weeks. This is a setback following his recent knee procedure in the offseason, which already limited his activities.
Shaedon Sharpe had abdominal surgery in January but is now dealing with a shoulder injury that requires further evaluation.
Matisse Thybulle fully recovered from an ankle impingement at the end of last season. However, he is experiencing knee soreness in his right knee at the start of training camp, which requires further evaluation.
Kawhi Leonard withdrew from Team USA for the Paris Olympics after experiencing knee swelling. He underwent surgery during the offseason, though details were not disclosed. Leonard will be out indefinitely to start the season.
Mo Bamba suffered a knee injury early in training camp. He has been limited in practice and missed the first preseason game but will continue to be monitored.
Kai Jones sustained an ankle injury during Summer League but appears to be fully recovered at the start of training camp.
Christian Wood underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in early September and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks. Wood is crucial for the Lakers, particularly as a floor-stretching center.
Jarred Vanderbilt had procedures on both feet but remains optimistic about playing on Opening Night (October 22). His status, however, remains undetermined.
Rui Hachimura finished last season healthy and competed in the Paris Olympics without restrictions. He starts training camp with no limitations.
Gabe Vincent appeared in just 11 games last season due to knee injuries but has been medically cleared to start training camp.
Cam Reddish dealt with multiple ankle injuries toward the end of last season but was a key player early in the season. He has been cleared to start training camp.
Jusuf Nurkic injured his finger at the start of training camp, causing him to miss some preseason games. However, this injury is not expected to impact his regular-season availability.
Grayson Allen is dealing with Achilles soreness during the preseason, putting his status for Opening Night in question.
Kevin Huerter had an offseason shoulder procedure after suffering a dislocation and labral tear late last season. He has been cleared for on-court workouts, and a mid-October re-evaluation will determine if he can resume full-contact activities.
Trey Lyles sustained a left groin strain during offseason workouts in late September. He is expected to miss three weeks, aligning his return with the start of the regular season.
Jordan McLaughlin suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain during offseason workouts in late September. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks and may appear in some preseason games before the regular season.
Luka Doncic ended last season dealing with ankle, knee, and chest injuries during a deep playoff run. He recently suffered a left calf contusion during an Olympic qualifying tournament. Doncic will be sidelined for a week and monitored closely.
Kyrie Irving underwent surgery on his left hand in the offseason. He has been cleared to play and reports that his hand feels "much better."
Maxi Kleber has missed the start of training camp due to an ankle sprain. Head coach Jason Kidd noted that Kleber is "a little ways away" from returning to practice.
Dante Exum sustained a right wrist injury during training camp, potentially requiring surgery. Treatment options are being evaluated, with a significant absence likely.
Ja Morant only played in nine games last season before a right labral tear in his shoulder required surgery. He has been cleared for basketball activities since July and has not experienced any setbacks in training camp.
Marcus Smart ruptured the central slip in his right hand last season but has been fully active in training camp without limitations.
Zach Edey suffered a minor ankle sprain in Summer League, but the injury has healed, allowing him to fully participate in training camp.
Brandon Clarke is 100% for training camp after missing much of the last two seasons due to an Achilles tear and subsequent hand injury.
Zion Williamson enjoyed his healthiest season as a professional last year, playing 70 games. He sustained a hamstring injury during the NBA Cup in December but still averaged 22.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 5.2 APG. He underwent a rigorous offseason regimen, arriving at camp leaner and stronger.
Trey Murphy suffered a right hamstring strain at the start of training camp, which will sideline him for three weeks. If he misses any regular-season games, it will likely be minimal.
Written by David Chao, MD
