Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Image via Getty)

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Both teams are winning games, but neither is at full strength. Injuries will shape rotations, matchups, and late-game decisions.This is the first meeting between the teams this season. Los Angeles is in the middle of a long road trip and playing well. Cleveland has defended home court lately despite missing starters. The records are similar. The availability is not.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury report and expected lineups (January 28, 2026)

The Los Angeles Lakers are without two rotation players. Austin Reaves remains out with a left calf strain and has now missed 17 straight games. He is averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, so his absence pushes more creation onto LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Rookie wing Adou Thiero is also out with a right MCL sprain, reducing depth on the perimeter. No Lakers are listed as questionable.Cleveland Cavaliers’ list is longer and heavier. Evan Mobley is out with a left calf strain, removing a key defender and rebounder. Darius Garland is also out with a right great toe sprain, leaving a hole in ball-handling and playmaking. De’Andre Hunter and Sam Merrill are listed as probable but could see limited minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Head-to-head and recent form

The teams have met 125 times in the regular season. Los Angeles leads the all-time series 70–55 and has won six of the last 10 meetings. Over the last three seasons, including this one, the matchup is even at 2–2.The Lakers enter at 28–17 and have won three straight, including a road win over Chicago. They are 14–9 away from home. The Cavaliers are 28–20, fifth in the East, and have won four straight games.

What will decide the Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers game (January 28, 2026)

With Garland out, Cleveland Cavaliers’ perimeter defense will be tested. Dončić’s ball pressure and passing will force help, while James can punish mismatches from the post or in transition. Cleveland will try to slow the game and limit mistakes.Rebounding matters. Even without Mobley, the Cavaliers are built to control the glass. If they keep the Lakers off the offensive boards, they can keep the score manageable and play more in the half court.Bench minutes also matter. The Lakers will need steady production behind their stars. Cleveland needs role players to hold ground if Hunter and Merrill are limited.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Team comparison (2025–26)

Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Cleveland Cavaliers? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (January 28, 2026)The Lakers have the two best players on the floor. The Cavaliers have momentum and a clear plan. The team that gets more from its supporting cast is likely to win.