Heading into tonight’s game against the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers are under a cloud of uncertainty regarding their roster. Following a season plagued with injuries and inconsistency, the team has relied heavily on the talents of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to remain competitive in an arduous Western Conference. Uncertainty remains regarding just what availability will be offered, with fans on the edge of their seats as tip-off hangs in the balance.

This game’s coming up at a crucial time for the Lakers, who are just picking up the pace. Coming off a pretty good 113-100 win over the same Kings team, the Lakers will need all hands on deck. But can the team supply enough firepower to deliver once again with so many key players out or on the question mark list?

Lakers Injury Report: Key Absences and Depth Chart Challenges Ahead

Injuries have been common among the Lakers this season, and tonight is no exception. LeBron James is a game-time decision with some hamstring tightness, which, honestly, I can’t tell since he’s injured so often. A knee injury has also made Anthony Davis, the MVP-quality big man, questionable. Rui Hachimura is questionable with a leg issue draining some strength from the forward’s bench. So to make it worse, Jarred Vanderbilt is out with a knee injury, Christian Wood is out with a knee injury, Jaxson Hayes is out with an ankle injury, and Jalen Hood-Schifino is out with a hamstring injury.

Losing those two gives an awful lot of weight to the Lakers’ depth chart. Without Vanderbilt and Wood, this could be a tiny frontcourt rotation, and if Davis is up for it, then God knows what load it would put on his shoulders. The backcourt is more or less now up to Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, who have been bright spots for the team this season. Reaves is becoming an important piece in that he has been able to show up big in clutch moments. But for now, let’s take a look at their depth chart.

Lakers’ Big Test Tonight: Can the Team Keep Rolling Without Their Stars?

The Lakers nabbed the seventh spot in the Western Conference—this round goes with a record of 15-12 since they advanced upward from 10th after winning the last game. Anthony has been simply superb this season, averaging 27.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and two blocks. This confirms his position among the league’s greatest. LeBron James, at 38 years old, continues to defy all odds with an average of 22.6 points, 9 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Last night’s win against the Kings was somewhat of a team effort, with a few players showing up. Austin Reaves led with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Anthony Davis made a terrific impact on offense with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 blocks. LeBron chipped in 19 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, and D’Angelo Russell scored 16 points off the bench. That’s what we’d like from other players should the Lakers win another match tonight, especially when their two stars could be limited or out.

Kings are a strong opponent, with a high-scoring offense and a physical game. So the defense, led by Davis, will need to be slick to stop their firepower. This game weights the Lakers’ playoff positions, given that their next journey is to be a tough one. Fans are asking whether their stars will overcome injury worries to guide the team through the victory lane or will once again have to come off as the supporting act. With the Lakers facing the upcoming challenges against the likes of the Warriors, Cavaliers, and Mavericks, they can’t let go of a single win since it keeps them in the race within a tough Western Conference.

What do you think? Will the Lakers’ depth be enough to carry them through, or will the absence of their stars prove too much to overcome? Let us know your thoughts and who you’re supporting in tonight’s big game!