MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves with teammate Austin Reaves #15 in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 116-104 to take a 2-1 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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Ricardo Sandoval

By Ricardo Sandoval

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their other two stars against the San Antonio Spurs. After ruling out Luka Doncic for Tuesday's contest with his hamstring injury, L.A. also ruled out LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

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James and Reaves will miss the team's second night of a back-to-back against the second-best team in the Western Conference.

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More news: Lakers Make Final Decision on Luka Doncic Status Ahead of Spurs Match

Last night, James and Reaves both played and did their part against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 41-year-old superstar recorded 22 points in 36 minutes along with 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal on 9-of-17 shooting from the field. As for Reaves, he recorded 16 points off the bench, along with seven assists, two rebounds and one steal in 29 minutes of action.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves with teammate Austin Reaves #15 in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 116-104 to take a 2-1 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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How Will a Short-Handed Lakers Team Fare Against the Spurs?

The Lakers will be shorthanded tonight as they will also be without guard Marcus Smart, who is dealing with right ankle soreness.

Smart will also take a maintenance day. He has been one of the constant pieces for the Lakers this whole season due to his toughness and physicality. In the season, Smart is averaging 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 28.5 minutes of action.

James will miss his 18th game of the season tonight, which makes him ineligible for a season award. His All-NBA streak will end at 21 seasons. The 41-year-old is one of the more decorated players in the league.

As for Reaves, they are being cautious with the 27-year-old. The former Oklahoma Sooner will miss Tuesday's contest with what the team calls left calf injury management. In his absence, along with Doncic, players like Luke Kennard, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht will need to step up for the team.

Lakers center Deandre Ayton is also questionable with a knee issue.

The Lakers will search for their 33rd win of the season tonight against the Spurs, who have been one of the best teams all season long. L.A. is the home underdog with a +12.5 spread.

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