The Los Angeles Lakers will be taking on the Denver Nuggets today and things could be very difficult for them. Star guard Luka Doncic has been ruled out for this game today as the team goes through a back-to-back.
Luka Doncic (calf, ankle) ruled out Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 14, 2025
With Doncic out for this game, it puts the Lakers into a tough situation. The team is already missing star forward LeBron James due to his recovery from a groin injury.
Doncic said that he was "unsure" about playing in this game following the team's last game. They now will be very shorthanded for this crucial contest.
Read more:Lakers' Luka Doncic 'Unsure' About Playing in Back-to-Back vs Nuggets
Los Angeles will also be without forward Rui Hachimura and center Jaxson Hayes. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Gabe Vincent are listed as doubtful for this game.
This could be a very tough game for Los Angeles as they are coming off a bad loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Los Angeles is already riding a three-game losing streak so they are in danger of adding another loss to their record.
The team has fallen down the Western Conference standings in recent games, falling to the No. 4 seed entering the game against Denver. Los Angeles holds a record of 40-24 on the season, clinging onto the fourth spot.
Denver is just ahead of them in the No. 3 spot so this game could have large implications on how the playoff picture shapes out. The Lakers are attempting to keep their place in the top six so they are guaranteed a playoff spot.
But things could be very tricky due to all the injuries that have pilled up over the last few weeks. Los Angeles just wants to be healthy for the postseason and if they are, they believe that they can take on anyone to go after another NBA title.
Los Angeles will have another set of back-to-backs following this game against the Nuggets.
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