The Lakers have fallen into all sorts of trouble right when everyone touted them as championship favorites. Everything started when LeBron James injured his groin in the loss against the Celtics. Since then, the team has lost 5 of their 8 games. Currently hanging in the fourth seed, the team isn’t far away from falling below the 6th seed. Amid this tricky situation, the team faces the lethal Orlando Magic tonight.
Can LeBron James turn the tide for the in the Lakers’ favor? First of all, will the superstar lace up? Well, that’s a bit of a concern. In the game against the Bulls, Bron returned to the court after his groin injury. While he moved freely, the superstar couldn’t make an impact on the court, scoring 17 points with 5 turnovers. It led to only one question. Is he 100% fit to take the court? Unfortunately, it’s uncertain.
The Lakers have listed LeBron James in the Probable category, citing a left groin strain. So, the 40-year-old is less likely to play tonight once again putting the team in a tough spot. Apart from Bron, the team has also listed Rui Hachimura, who hasn’t played in a while, in the Questionable category. With starters out of action, the team will have thin depth to handle the defensively dominant Magic.
Lakers’ injury report vs. Orlando:
— LeBron James is probable.
— Rui Hachimura is questionable. pic.twitter.com/NRqenoQZzY
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 23, 2025
On the other hand, the Magic has listed two players in the injury report. One of them is a starter. Cole Anthony has been listed as Questionable with a toe injury and he might miss the game along with Trevelin Queen who is also Questionable.
LeBron James & Co. vs the Magic: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Before heading to Florida, Luka Doncic seemed clueless about the team’s connectivity on the floor. Following Bron’s injury, there isn’t much connection on the floor. Speaking of which, Luka said, “Tomorrow, we have a six-hour flight. I don’t think that’s an option, but playing the game, and being in the game together. Honestly, I don’t know how, but when we were together before the injuries, we were doing great stuff.”
Now that the team has already arrived for the game. The team has put everything behind and locked in. Austin Reaves and LukaMagic have to anchor the team’s offense in Bron’s absence and also on the defensive end. Moreover, with the likes of Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht, the duo can get some offensive help off the bench.
The Los Angeles Lakers
STARTING LINEUP
SECOND UNIT
THIRD UNIT
PG
Luka Doncic
Gabe Vincent
Shake Milton
SG
Austin Reaves
Dalton Knecht
–
SF
Jordan Goodwin
–
–
PF
Jarred Vanderbilt
Dorian Finney-Smith
Cam Redish
C
Jaxson Hayes
Trey Jemison III
Christian Koloko
The Orlando Magic
STARTING LINEUP
SECOND UNIT
THIRD UNIT
PG
Anthony Black
Cory Joseph
–
SG
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Gary Harris
Jett Howard
SF
Franz Wagner
Tristan Da Silva
Caleb Houston
PF
Paolo Banchero
Jonathan Isaac
–
C
Wendell Carter Jr.
Goga Bitadze
–
Standing in the 8th seed, the Magic has one goal, which is to win the game no matter what. The roster should support Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero in action and play their usual defense to seal the deal. Who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments below.
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