LeBron James, Rui Hachimura upgraded to questionable vs. Bulls

The Lakers could be back to nearly full strength on Saturday as both LeBron James and Rui Hachimura have been upgraded to questionable against the Bulls.

After a brutal two weeks of lots of games and being shorthanded, the Lakers could be back to full strength on Saturday against the Bulls.

Both LeBron James and Rui Hachimura have been upgraded to questionable, the first time they’ve been listed as anything other than “out” since sustaining their respective injuries.

Obviously, there are a lot of positives to take away from that injury report. All of Luka Dončić, Dorian Finney-Smith, Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt all missed Thursday’s game against the Bucks and all are set to return.

LeBron has missed the last six games with his groin strain. This is roughly the timeframe that was anticipated for his return. Prior to Thursday’s game against the Nuggets, he went through his most extensive pregame workout yet.

Rui, meanwhile, has had positive updates from head coach JJ Redick throughout his rehab. Most recently, he was going through 3-on-3 workouts with his return nearing.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, Redick said that LeBron and Rui remained day-to-day, a status that was repeated throughout the week.

The one notable change to the injury report outside of LeBron and Rui is the addition of Gabe Vincent as questionable with left knee injury management. This is the same designation Vincent had when he missed the team’s road game against the Nuggets recently.

After Saturday’s home game, the Lakers will go on a four-game road trip before returning home to play the Rocket to wrap up a daunting March schedule. Having the team at full strength as soon as possible will be paramount.

Fortunately, it looks like that is coming soon. And maybe even on Saturday.

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