Lakers News: Los Angeles Starters Announced For Denver Visit

The Lakers had to scramble after some late breaking injury news.

As your 27-25 Los Angeles Lakers host the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets for just the second time since they were swept on their home floor last May, they'll trot out a similar – but not identical starting five – to that game. 

Tonight, LA will roll with point guard Austin Reaves, shooting guard Max Christie, forwards Rui Hachimura and LeBron James, and center Anthony Davis. 

Lakers' starters vs. Denver:

Austin Reaves
Max Christie
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 9, 2024

Contrary to last year's starting group, Rui will play in place of Jarred Vanderbilt, who wasn't regularly starting even before his recent injury, but is now out for an extended period of time leaving his spot open for the Gonzaga product. 

D'Angelo Russell is a late scratch, thanks to an ominously sore left knee.

It marks the first start on the season for this group, but they theoretically offer a lot to like, including more defensive versatility than other combinations of pieces, as well as having fewer players who need the ball in their hands to contribute. As such, expect a fair share of Austin Reaves and LeBron James initiating the offense contrary to D'Angelo Russell.