The Los Angeles Lakers may be without several role players for their Friday game against the Phoenix Suns, according to Jovan Buha of *The Athletic*.
Second-year point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino is listed as doubtful due to illness. In addition, all three of the Lakers’ two-way contract players—guard Quincy Olivari, forward Armel Traoré, and center Christian Koloko—will be absent. Olivari and Traoré are with the G League affiliate South Bay Lakers, while Koloko is still awaiting NBA clearance to join the lineup.
The Lakers will also miss power forward/center Christian Wood and forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who are both recovering from surgeries.
While Hood-Schifino’s absence may not greatly impact the team, missing Wood and Vanderbilt is a more significant loss. Hood-Schifino saw limited minutes last season and wasn’t part of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation in the team’s recent win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On the positive side, Wood and Vanderbilt’s absence has clarified rotation choices for Redick. Jaxson Hayes has stepped up as Anthony Davis’s backup, impressing against Minnesota with 10 points on efficient shooting, plus four rebounds and a block in just over 15 minutes.
With Vanderbilt sidelined, Redick has leaned on Gabe Vincent, another strong perimeter defender, especially in critical moments. Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility is an asset during the regular season, but his shooting remains a concern for the playoffs.
For Phoenix, reserve forward Josh Okogie missed the team’s recent close win over the Los Angeles Clippers due to a hamstring issue, and his availability against the Lakers is uncertain.
