The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into Monday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers with seven players listed as OUT. For Lakers fans, this is the stuff of nightmares. For head coach JJ Redick, it’s a challenge that could force him to get creative with his lineups and rotations.
Gabe Vincent and Marcus Smart became the latest Lakers added to the injury report after both played in Sunday’s matinee against the Sacramento Kings. Vincent rolled his ankle in the third quarter and was later seen in a walking boot leaving the Golden 1 Center — a sign his absence may extend beyond the initial timeline. Smart, who started in place of Luka Dončić, will now miss at least a week due to a left finger sprain.
In addition, rookie Aduo Thiero, Maxi Kleber, and Jaxson Hayes remain sidelined, further depleting the Lakers’ frontcourt depth. However, the biggest name still out is LeBron James, who’s expected to be sidelined until late November. According to ESPN, LeBron may sit for an extended period as he continues to manage lingering sciatica issues.
As it stands, this could very well be the starting lineup Lakers fans should expect tonight:
PG: Austin Reaves
SG: Dalton Knecht
SF: Rui Hachimura
PF: Jake LaRavia
C: DeAndre Ayton
Bench: Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James, Christian Koloko, Chris Manon
Austin Reaves is coming off a career night against the Kings, erupting for 51 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists — just one shy of a triple-double. He shot 12-for-22 from the field, hit six three-pointers, and went an impressive 21-for-23 from the free-throw line — a performance so dominant it reportedly caused DeMar DeRozan to end his postgame press conference early.
DeAndre Ayton also delivered his best performance in a Lakers uniform, posting 22 points and 15 rebounds while logging 36 minutes of action. His interior presence gave the Lakers the offensive balance they desperately needed. Jake LaRavia should slot alongside Rui Hachimura in the frontcourt, offering the team an additional perimeter threat.
Off the bench, this could be the night Bronny James finally earns extended minutes. After logging just three minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 20-year-old guard could get a real chance to showcase his growth against a young but hungry Trail Blazers squad. Los Angeles hopes to extend their win streak to three in a row after their home opener loss against the Golden State Warriors.
