Old rivals clash in California as LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers take on Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors on Thursday. The Lakers made major moves in the trade market recently, ending fans’ frustrations with GM Rob Pelinka. The Dubs have also acquired some new faces, granting Steph his wishes to make one final title push.
But the question on every Lakers fan’s mind is the same. “Will Luka Doncic make his debut against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday?” Well, it’s time for us to seek the answer to that question by looking at their injury report. And Lakers fans may see a new face in Purple and Gold on Thursday.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report – will Luka Doncic backup LeBron James and make his debut against the Warriors?
The Lakers have submitted a slightly concerning injury report ahead of the Warriors game. The first thing that will catch fans’ eyes is the fact that both their new signees will miss the game on Thursday. Yes, the duo of Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber are OUT of the Lakers’ game against the Warriors. Kleber will be out for a while after undergoing surgery on his fractured foot. But Doncic may make his debut for the Lakers as soon as after the All-Star break.
Lakers’ injury report vs. Golden State tomorrow: pic.twitter.com/aUXpRVjwPv
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 6, 2025
LeBron also finds himself on the list, listed as PROBABLE once more. But you probably know the drill by now as James has been playing through an injury for a while. Similarly, Gabe Vincent who featured in the Lakers’ win over the Clippers is also listed as PROBABLE. But it’s very likely that Vincent will also play in the matchup versus the Golden State Warriors.
The other notable inclusions on the report for the Lakers are Cam Reddish and Christian Wood. Reddish is listed as DOUBTFUL owing to personal reasons. However, it seems his time as Lakers is up. He, alongside Dalton Knecht, is reportedly part of the deal that will see Mark Williams arrive at the Lakers. On the other hand, Christian Wood continues his extended absence from the Lakers as he recovers from knee surgery.
The Golden State Warriors are yet to submit an injury report for the Lakers game. That said, let’s have a look at how the Lakers may line up tomorrow.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors – predicted starting lineup and depth chart
The Lakers have a few new players in their ranks along with a few departures. That naturally means we will see the lineup change quite a bit over the coming weeks as JJ Redick figures out his best starting lineup. However, here’s who we think will start for the Lakers on Thursday, as well as the ones who will be rotation options:
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Austin Reaves
Shake Milton
Bronny James
SG
Gabe Vincent (DD)
Austin Reaves
Shake Milton
SF
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James (DD)
Dorian Finney-Smith
PF
LeBron James
Jarred Vanderbilt
Dorian Finney-Smith
C
Jaxson Hayes
Mark Williams
Dorian Finney-Smith
The Lakers faithful will be hoping for the newly acquired Mark Williams to make his debut against the Dubs. But we don’t think he’ll be available in time to do that. Regardless, the Lakers have a good shot at beating the Warriors, given the form they’re in right now. And if Williams can play against the Dubs on Thursday. Well, it will just make LeBron’s job that much easier!
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