Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors: preview and player stats (Jan 21, 2027)

Head coach JJ Redick said Friday that Doncic (ankle) is "fine," per Law Murray of The Athletic. The superstar guard exited to the locker room late in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's win over the Bucks due to an apparent right ankle injury and did not return. Doncic can be tentatively placed on the right side of the questionable marker until the Lakers release an official injury report at some point prior to Sunday's matchup in Phoenix.

Reaves (heel) won't undergo imaging and is considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's game against the Suns, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. An official designation for Reaves' status will be given Saturday, according to Buha, and head coach JJ Redick also said Reaves has a bruise on his heel. The star guard is enjoying an excellent start to the season and is averaging 24.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. If he's sidelined, expect Ziaire Williams to start in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic.

Grimes (finger) said he expects to return to action Sunday against the Suns, according to Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers on SI. Grimes has missed the Lakers' last two games, but it sounds as if he could return to the rotation Sunday. It's unclear whether he'd be a starter, but he'd have a chance if Austin Reaves (heel) isn't cleared. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points per game this season, but that number rises to 17.5 points per game in his two starts.

Sexton did not return to Wednesday's 123-112 win over the Bucks and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports. Sexton knocked noggins with Ryan Rollins, but it sounds like he's avoided a concussion, so he should be able to get out there for Sunday's game in Phoenix. Austin Reaves (heel) also exited Wednesday's game, and if he needs to sit out Sunday, Sexton would have the chance for some extended minutes.

Butler (knee) could return sometime between January and February as he continues recovering from a torn right ACL, Anthony Slater of ESPN reports. Butler, who underwent surgery after suffering the injury Jan. 19, has progressed to individual court work but still has several rehabilitation milestones to clear. His next step involves landing comfortably after a game-speed jump. Coach Steve Kerr is hopeful Butler can rejoin Golden State for the latter portion of the season, though no official return date has been announced. The 37-year-old forward remains a significant part of the Warriors' plans and could provide a substantial boost during the second half of the campaign.

Curry has been diagnosed with an oblique abdominal tear and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Curry suffered the injury early during Wednesday's loss to the Rockets, with head coach Steve Kerr saying after the game that the superstar point guard "tweaked" something in his abdominal area. Curry has never dealt with an injury of this nature, so the Warriors, who are off to a hot start spearheaded by Rookie of the Year candidate Yaxel Lendeborg, will likely proceed with caution. Brandin Podziemski, Brandon Williams (hamstring), De'Anthony Melton, Will Richard and Gary Payton (knee) are all candidates for increased roles until Curry is cleared to play again.

Moody (knee) is progressing toward a potential return between December and January after rupturing his left patellar tendon in March, Anthony Slater of ESPN reports. Moody has been limited to individual court work, but team sources indicate he's ahead of Jimmy Butler (knee) in the rehabilitation process and is expected to return before the veteran forward. The 24-year-old still has several recovery checkpoints to complete, and Golden State has not established an official timetable. His eventual return would help replenish a Warriors wing rotation that will open the season without both Moody and Butler.

Porzingis announced on his social media that he's stepping away from basketball. Porzingis said he was looking forward to joining the Warriors, but his body didn't respond the way he wanted it too during his ramp-up process before the season. Additionally, he said he will work with the Warriors on a solution that "makes sense." Porzingis is making this decision to prioritize his health and will hopefully turn a corner soon on that front.

Williams (hamstring) will miss at least one week, per Anthony Slater of ESPN.com. Williams has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain in the aftermath of Monday's game against the Pelicans, and his status for Golden State's upcoming five-game road trip is in serious doubt. With Williams facing an extended absence, the Warriors are likely to lean more on De'Anthony Melton in the backourt.