Lakers vs. Cavs Injury Report: LeBron Questionable, Key Players Out

Cleveland and Los Angeles are both dealing with key injuries ahead of their Tuesday night matchup.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:34am

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The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers will face off on Tuesday night, with both teams dealing with notable injury concerns. Lakers star LeBron James is listed as questionable after playing in a back-to-back, while the Cavaliers will be without several key three-point shooters including Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, and Jaylon Tyson.

Why it matters

This game features LeBron James playing against his former team, the Cavaliers, in a matchup of two playoff contenders. The injuries to key players on both sides could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game and the playoff positioning for each team.

The details

For the Lakers, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has been ruled out with an ankle contusion. LeBron James is listed as questionable after playing in Monday night's back-to-back. On the Cavaliers' side, they will be without three-point threats Dean Wade (ankle), Jaylon Tyson (toe), and Sam Merrill (hamstring).

  • The Lakers and Cavaliers will face off on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers will play the Warriors after this game before returning home for three of their final five games.
  • The Lakers will begin a two-game road trip starting with Oklahoma City on Thursday.

The players

LeBron James

Star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against his former team, the Cavaliers.

Marcus Smart

Former Defensive Player of the Year for the Lakers who has been ruled out of Tuesday's game with an ankle contusion.

Sam Merrill

Cavaliers player who has been ruled out of Tuesday's game with a hamstring injury.

Dean Wade

Cavaliers player who has been ruled out of Tuesday's game with an ankle injury.

Jaylon Tyson

Cavaliers player who has been ruled out of Tuesday's game with a toe injury.

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What they’re saying

“We know LeBron is a game-time decision, so we have to be prepared for either scenario. Our focus is on executing our game plan and getting the win, regardless of who suits up for them.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Cavaliers Head Coach

“Losing Marcus is tough, but we have depth and guys who can step up. Our priority is getting this win and keeping our momentum going into the final stretch of the season.”

— Darvin Ham, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The outcome of this game could have major implications on the playoff seeding in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Cavaliers will look to gain ground on the Knicks for the 3rd seed in the East, while the Lakers are trying to hold onto their position as the 3rd seed in the West.

The takeaway

Injuries to key players on both sides will be a major factor in this matchup between two playoff contenders. The availability of stars like LeBron James and the three-point shooting of the Cavaliers will be crucial in determining the outcome of this important late-season clash.