Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers: preview and player stats (Mar 16, 2027)

Reaves (heel) didn't participate in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Reaves sustained a bruised left heel in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee and is considered day-to-day, though this update is not encouraging ahead of Sunday's game against Phoenix. If the 28-year-old guard is unable to suit up, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes (finger) and Collin Sexton (head) would be candidates for increased playing time.

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 (head) was a full participant in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Sexton left Wednesday's game against Milwaukee early after bumping heads with Ryan Rollins and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead. However, Sexton escaped the incident without a concussion, and his ability to practice without restraint is a positive sign for his availability Sunday against the Suns.

Head coach Micah Nori said Morant met with a doctor in Los Angeles, who gave him a positive outlook on his recovery from the hamstring injury. While Nori declined to update Morant's timetable, he added Morant "may not be out for as long as we thought," Trail Blazers Insider Sean Highkin reports. Morant was initially given a four-week timetable after he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on Oct. 30. It sounds like he's making solid progress, though it would be surprising to see him beat that timetable given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries. Scoot Henderson will continue to start in his absence and there will be more minutes available for Jrue Holiday.

Sharpe suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and is expected to miss six months, per Shams Charania of ESPN. It's a tough blow to the Trail Blazers' depth on the wing ahead of training camp. Sharpe, who is now likely to be sidelined until after the All-Star break, had been ticketed for a reserve role behind Toumani Camara following an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, which saw average a career-high 20.8 points, 1.4 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game over 50 regular-season appearances. The door is now open for Vit Krejci and Jeremy Sochan to compete for bench minutes during camp.

Krejci underwent surgery on his fractured left ankle Wednesday and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports. Krejci suffered the ankle injury in last Wednesday's win over the Suns and is set to miss an extended period after undergoing surgery. With the 26-year-old and Ja Morant (hamstring) both on the shelf, Jrue Holiday and Sidy Cissoko should continue seeing increased minutes.

Youngblood (foot) is out for Friday's game against Sacramento. Youngblood is in line for a second straight absence due to a bone bruise in his right foot. His next opportunity to run the floor will arrive Monday in Minnesota.