LA Lakers injury update - Dennis Schroder is ruled out of crucial matchup against the Suns as LeBron James and co. try to avoid the play-in tournament

The LA Lakers have turned their season around after spectacular acquisitions at the NBA trade deadline. They have gone 16-8 since the deadline after improving their shooting, defense, youth, and versatility. They have certainly scared a few teams in the West as King James and co. look to solidify their status as legitimate title contenders.

Unfortunately, Dennis Schroder will be missing the game due to neck spasms. The back up point guard has been quite reliable for the Purple and Gold this season. He has not missed a game since December and has played in 59 straight games. The team will certainly miss him on the floor tonight.

Dennis Schroder was averaging 12.6 points, 4.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game while flourishing in a sixth man role for the team.

Additionally, superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are also on the injury report due to right foot injuries. They are listed as questionable, while D'Angelo Russell is probable to play due to soreness in his left foot.

Can the LA Lakers avoid the NBA play-in tournament?

LeBron James and Rui Hachimura #6 of the LA Lakers against the LA Clippers

The LA Lakers are currently 7th in the West with a 41-39 record. They briefly grabbed the 6th seed after their win against the Utah Jazz but quickly fell back down to the 7th after the Golden State Warriors defeated the OKC Thunder. They are one game behind the Warriors for the 6th spot and tied with New Orleans for the 7th spot. They own the tie-breakers over both teams.

The Lakers absolutely need to win both games to have a shot at the 6th or even 5th seed. The LA Clippers are currently 5th and they also own the tie-breaker against the Lakers. However, if the Clippers lose their next two games against Portland and Phoenix while the Lakers win their next two over Phoenix and Utah, the 5th seed will not be too far-fetched.

Understandably, the Warriors, Pelicans, and Clippers will all have to lose at least one if not both of their games, but it isn't outside the realm of possibility.

It shouldn't be too hard for the LA Lakers to win tonight as the Phoenix Suns are resting all their starters having locked in the 4th seed. They are not going to rise or fall in the standings. Coach Monty Williams and the team have prioritized team health for the playoffs over a slightly better regular season record.

If they grab the 5th seed, they will face the Suns in the first round, and if they grab the 6th seed, they will go up against the Kings.