The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Crypto.com Arena on March 31 to play the Los Angeles Lakers. This game feels like a playoff matchup. The Lakers are 49-26, while the Cavaliers are 47-28. Both teams are fighting for position as the season gets close to the end.There is more to this game than just the records. Both sides are dealing with injuries and changes in their lineups. The Lakers have a suspension situation to manage, while the Cavaliers are missing a few players. Because of this, the game is not easy to predict.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers injury report (March 31, 2026)
Cavaliers injury report and available rotation
Cleveland is dealing with a few key absences, mainly on the wings.OUT • Dean Wade – ankle injury, expected back around April 5 • Jaylon Tyson – toe injury, also aiming to return around April 5DAY-TO-DAY • Max Strus – questionable with a left foot injury • Jarrett Allen – knee issue, status still unclearIf Allen and Strus do not play, Thomas Bryant will likely get more minutes at center. Keon Ellis, Craig Porter Jr., and Nae’Qwan Tomlin could also see bigger roles.Active core playersCleveland still has its main group available: • Donovan Mitchell • James Harden • Evan Mobley • Dennis SchröderOther players in the rotation include Sam Merrill, Tyrese Proctor, Tristan Enaruna, Riley Minix, and Larry Nance Jr. Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley remain the key players for this team.
Lakers injury report and lineup outlook
The Lakers are also dealing with injuries and one suspension.OUT / QUESTIONABLE • Luka Dončić – questionable due to suspension (16th technical foul) • Marcus Smart – out with injury • Adou Thiero – out with a knee injuryIf Dončić does not play, the team will depend even more on LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves.Available players • LeBron James • Austin Reaves • Rui HachimuraOther players include Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James, Kobe Bufkin, Chris Manon, Drew Timme, and Jarred Vanderbilt.Without Dončić, Austin Reaves or Luke Kennard may handle the ball more. LeBron will likely control the game late.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers Head-to-head record and recent meetings
These teams have been close this season. • 2025-26 season series: 1-1 • Last five meetings: Cavaliers lead 3-2 • All-time record: Lakers lead 70-56The Lakers have the better record over time, but the Cavaliers have done well in recent games.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers Team stats and playing styles compared
| Category | Cleveland Cavaliers (CLE) | Los Angeles Lakers (LAL) |
| Record (2025–26) | 47–28 | 49–26 |
| Pace | 99.1 (12th) | 97.8 (20th) |
| FG% | 48.0% (8th) | 50.1% (1st) |
| 3PT attempts | 14.4 (9th) | 11.9 (23rd) |
| 3PT % | 35.9% | 35.7% |
Cleveland plays at a faster pace and takes more three-point shots. Mitchell and Harden run the offense, and Mobley protects the rim.The Lakers play slower and focus on efficiency. They score a lot from close range and have the best field-goal percentage in the league. LeBron and Davis lead their offense.
Key matchups that could decide the game
• Donovan Mitchell vs Austin Reaves (and possibly Marcus Smart) • LeBron James vs Evan Mobley • James Harden vs Lakers’ bench guardsIf Jarrett Allen does not play much, Anthony Davis could have a strong game inside.This game is hard to call. The Lakers have the home advantage, but Dončić’s status adds uncertainty. Cleveland is also dealing with injuries, which could affect their rotation.The styles are different. Cleveland plays fast and uses its guards a lot. The Lakers play slower and focus on efficient scoring. With both teams preparing for the playoffs, this game should be competitive.
