UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers have officially returned to their preferred starting lineup for the highly anticipated Christmas Day clash against the Houston Rockets. This marks the first time in weeks that the Lakers will field their complete first unit, signaling a crucial moment for the team as they aim to regain momentum.
In a significant boost for the Lakers, both Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura are back in action after recovering from injuries. Doncic returns from a lower left leg contusion, while Hachimura has completed his right groin injury management. The duo joins LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for the matchup on December 25, 2024.
Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed optimism about the lineup’s potential, stating, “In a perfect world, it gives you just sort of a normal flow in terms of your offensive optionality.” However, Redick added that they must still monitor Reaves’ minutes due to his recent calf injury, emphasizing the need for cautious management.
The Lakers have deployed this starting five just seven times this season, largely due to injuries that sidelined key players, including James. Since his return from a sciatica issue on November 18, injuries have plagued the team, affecting their ability to establish a consistent defensive identity. Currently, the Lakers possess the league’s 28th defensive rating since November 23, indicating a pressing need for improvement.
“We have to be smart with our lineups,” Redick noted, acknowledging the impact of inconsistent player availability on their performance. “It’s hard to judge… When you have continuity, you can kind of capture what you’re trying to do and feel comfortable about it.”
In an interesting twist, former Laker Dorian Finney-Smith made his debut for the Rockets after missing the first 27 games of the season due to ankle surgery. Finney-Smith, 32, joined Houston after a trade from the Brooklyn Nets in December. He previously averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds during his time with the Lakers, contributing significantly to the team despite not always reflecting in the box score.
Redick spoke fondly of Finney-Smith, saying, “Everybody knows how fondly we feel about Doe… He drives winning without having to take 15 shots or have the ball in his hands.” Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Rockets after declining his player option for the 2025-26 season.
As the Lakers prepare for this critical game, fans are eager to see if the return of Doncic and Hachimura can turn the tide for a team struggling with injuries. The matchup against the Rockets is not just about the holiday spirit but also a vital opportunity for the Lakers to regain traction in the competitive NBA landscape.
Stay tuned as we monitor this developing situation and provide updates on the game and its implications for the Lakers’ future.
