It’s an all-LA affair at the Crypto.com Arena tonight! As the LA Lakers take on their crosstown rivals the LA Clippers. The Lakers are in red-hot form winning four straight games. Their latest win came against the Timberwolves with LeBron James contributing significantly scoring 37 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and dishing out six assists. On the other hand, the Clippers also returned to winning ways against the Bulls after a three-game skid.

Veteran James Harden contributed massively, dropping 30 points. Moreover, there’s not a lot between the two teams, as the Lakers are seeded fourth, whereas the Clippers are fifth-seeded. However, the Lakers have won four of the past six meetings between the two teams – will Luka Doncic’s addition make the Lakers even more superior? For that, let’s see if the Slovenian is playing or not.

Los Angeles Lakers injury report before the Clippers clash

The early jitters are now gone, Luka Doncic is finally hitting his strides in LA. The All-Star point guard is making everyone around him look better, and the team chemistry is also getting better. However, there might be some bad news for the Lakers faithful ahead of the Clippers matchup. According to journalist Dan Woike, the 25-year-old has said his fitness is “questionable” for tonight’s matchup.

Doncic took a knee-to-knee shot during the game against Minnesota and although it’s nothing serious, he might miss tonight’s clash. Well, it’s not all bad, as Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes is available. He took a hard fall during the last game and headed to the locker room. However, the Lakers will be without forward Rui Hachimura. The 27-year-old suffered a left knee strain on Thursday and will not play tonight.

Lastly, Maxi Kleber is recovering from foot surgery and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks. On the flip side, the Clippers are not that hard-hit by injuries. But, they are without arguably their best player this season, Norman Powell. He could make a return soon from his knee injury. Also, Trentyn Flowers is on day-to-day due to a wrist injury. So, it will be interesting to see how the Lakers adjust amid their injuries.

How could the Los Angeles Lakers line up amid their injury troubles?

With Luka Doncic’s fitness in question, head coach JJ Redick might have to make some tweaks to his starting five. Well, Jaxson Hayes is fit for the clash. This is great news, as he’ll assume the center position for tonight. On the other hand, LeBron James will have to emulate his performance from last night to give the Lakers the maximum chance to grab a win.

Here’s how the Lakers can lineup for tonight:

Overall, it looks like a close game. The Lakers have been solid lately and playing some great basketball. Meanwhile, the Clippers have looked a bit shaky and lost three straight games before winning their most recent matchup. So, the Lakers do look like slight favorites, and if Doncic is fit then even more so. We’ll have to wait and watch what happens as the ball goes in the air tonight.