Jalen Hood-Schifino upgraded to questionable vs. Rockets, return to court nears

Jalen Hood-Schifino is now inching closer to his return to play. The Lakers upgraded his status to questionable for Sunday’s game versus the Houston Rockets.

LeBron James is also listed as questionable (left calf contusion) but hasn’t missed a game due to injury all week. Anthony Davis (left abductor/hip spasm) status remains probable and Maxwell Lewis (G League Assignment), Jarred Vanderbilt (left heel bursitis) and Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion) are all out.

This news is a step in the right direction for the Lakers.

Hood-Schifino has yet to make his NBA debut and while it’s unlikely he will play significant minutes with the Lakers, the more healthy bodies Darvin Ham has available, the better.

James and Davis will remain the focal point of the injury report until they are absent from it.

Davis has commented about his hip being an issue, but it hasn’t affected his play unless you attribute his poor performance against Sacramento as the reason for that display. Still, he was adamant that was not a key contributor to his game.

James’ status has been a game-time decision for the last few matchups, so expect more of the same on Sunday. His attendance will be desired as the 21-year vet is coming off a masterclass performance against the Rockets, where he led the team in points, minutes played and assists. James has done everything except sell hot dogs outside of Crypto.com Arena to keep the Lakers in contention in November.

Vincent and Vanderbilt are, unfortunately, a ways away from playing, but it’s good to see Lewis playing with the South Bay Lakers. He’s not a player getting significant run and if he can instead get some minutes and stay in game-playing shape by playing some in the G league, that benefits him experience-wise and keeps him sharp for an opportunity with the Lakers at a later date.

We’ll see if the Lakers can make it two in a row on Sunday as they continue heading towards being a winning and healthy team.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.