While LeBron James could still return to the Lakers’ lineup Thursday night, the team will have multiple key role players — including a starter — sidelined for the home game against the Bulls.
The Lakers ruled out starting guard Marcus Smart, and backup big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber 6 ½ hours before tipoff.
Smart, who was listed as questionable on the Lakers’ Wednesday evening injury report, was ruled out because of a right hip contusion.
The 32-year-old, 12-year NBA veteran had played in 41 of 42 games, including being a starter for 39 of those games, entering Thursday after having a six-game absence from Nov. 28-Dec. 7 because of back ailments.
Hayes missed his second straight game because of back soreness. Kleber was sidelined for the fifth time in six games because of a back ailment, officially being ruled out because of a back strain.
James, who sat out of the Lakers’ previous three wins over the Pacers, Knicks and Timberwolves, remained questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Bulls because of a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis.
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