Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) knocks the ball away from Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) during the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Lakers Announce New Starting Lineup vs Nuggets Due to Injury

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 9:19 PM ET

After it took some time for Luka Doncic to adjust to his move to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team rattled off eight straight wins and got as high as the second seed in the Western Conference. However, a series of injuries to key players has them shorthanded as they face the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Headlined by both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the sidelines, the Nuggets will have the upper hand against a shorthanded Lakers team as they make a push to surpass the Memphis Grizzlies in the standings. Due to the injuries, the Lakers have made some changes to their starting lineup.

Lineup alert: Lakers will start Reaves, Goodwin, Knecht, Vanderbilt, Len on Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 15, 2025

The Lakers are set to go with almost an entirely new starting lineup featuring Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Alex Len. It will be Goodwin's first start since joining the team in February.

While the Nuggets head into Friday's contest relatively healthy, with some key players banged up, the Lakers' depth will be tested as coach JJ Redick tries to get the most from his active players. One Laker who could see the floor tonight is Bronny James, who is not listed on the team's injury report for the game.

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

With the Lakers looking to navigate a new starting lineup, tip-off is set in Denver for 9:30 p.m. EST as the Nuggets seek their 43rd win of the season.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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