SUMMARY
- The Los Angeles Lakers have a record of 33 wins and 29 losses, and the Oklahoma City Thunder's record is 42-18.
- Several key Lakers stars might be on the sidelines for the game tonight.
The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at the Crypto.com Arena. LeBron James and Co. lost their last game 124-114 to the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. Despite solidly attempting to perform as a team, the Lakers failed to keep the mighty Nuggets at bay. LeBron also hit a huge milestone from an individual aspect, becoming the first-ever NBA player to score 40,000 points.
The 17x NBA champions have struggled to build momentum in their performances, often failing to capitalize on good opportunities. The win was there for the taking against the Nuggets, but their defense was the biggest problem. They might have an easier job against the Thunder tonight, but that depends on the appearance of some of their key players.
LeBron James is questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder game
LeBron James has been facing some ankle and foot injuries for the last few months. Although the 4x NBA champ has fought through these setbacks, it must be noted that he is 39 years old right now and rest is obviously a necessity. The Lakers cannot rely on the legend for far too long, and his teammates have to fill in his shoes when he isn’t on the court as well.
#Lakers injury report: pic.twitter.com/WccjsaepSJ
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) March 4, 2024
LeBron is questionable for the game tonight, with right ankle peroneal tendinopathy. Other than King James, Anthony Davis, and Cam Reddish are also on the Lakers‘ injury report. They are probable for the game tonight, with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and right ankle sprain respectively. Gabe Vincent, Colin Castleton, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood will all miss the OKC game.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- LeBron James (questionable)
- Anthony Davis (probable)
- Cam Reddish (probable)
- Christian Wood (out)
- Gabe Vincent (out)
- Jarred Vanderbilt (out)
- Colin Castleton (out)
Los Angeles Lakers expected roster
- Anthony Davis
- Rui Hachimura
- Austin Reaves
- D’Angelo Russell
- Spencer Dinwiddie
Oklahoma City Thunder injury report
- Jaylin Williams (out)
Oklahoma City Thunder expected roster
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Josh Giddey
- Chet Holmgren
- Luguentz Dort
- Jalen Williams
The Oklahoma City Thunder do not have any injuries other than Jaylin Williams. The young player is suffering from a knee injury and will miss the game against the Lakers tonight. OKC will be almost at full strength, which would be a nightmare for the Lakers.
The Thunder are favored over the Lakers in LeBron James’ potential absence tonight
LeBron’s appearance in tonight’s matchup could certainly be a game-time decision. That has been the case on multiple occasions this year, and fans can expect the same for the OKC game as well. If he doesn’t play, Spencer Dinwiddie might be the man to replace him. LeBron’s absence will tilt the weighing scale in the Thunder’s favor as well. But if he decides to fight the injury, that will surely give the Lakers a boost, but they still can be predicted to lose tonight.
The Thunder’s young core has brought down tightly-knit teams, including the likes of Phoenix Suns. The Lakers may not pose that big of a problem for SGA and Chet Holmgren if they manage to start the game well. Anthony Davis’ defense in the paint tonight will be crucial for the Lakers.
The last time these two teams faced was in January 2024. The Lakers won the game 112-105, thanks to a 25-point game from LeBron. AD also contributed with a double-double, scoring 27 points and making 15 rebounds. Lakers fans will be hoping that both of these players grace the floor together against the Thunder to have any hopes of winning the game.