UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers have officially returned to full strength, fielding their preferred starting lineup for the first time in weeks during a thrilling Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
BREAKING: Just announced, star players Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura are back on the court after recovering from injuries, significantly altering the team dynamics. This is a crucial moment for the Lakers as they seek to regain momentum following a disappointing stretch since their December 10 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers’ starting five now features Doncic, Hachimura, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. Reaves rejoins the first unit after a brief stint off the bench, recovering from a calf injury sustained earlier this month. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of this lineup for restoring a “normal flow” to their offense, acknowledging the need to manage Reaves’ minutes cautiously.
“In a perfect world, it gives you just sort of a normal flow in terms of your offensive optionality,” Redick stated. “We still got to monitor AR (Reaves) a little bit with some of his minutes and workload.”
Despite the return of key players, the Lakers still face challenges with missing rotation members Jaxson Hayes (ankle soreness) and Gabe Vincent (back strain). This ongoing inconsistency has hampered their defensive capabilities, leaving the Lakers with the league’s 28th defensive rating since late November. Redick noted that injuries have prevented the team from establishing a cohesive defensive identity.
“It’s hard to judge,” he remarked. “When you have continuity, you can kind of capture what you’re trying to do and feel comfortable about it.”
On the opposing side, former Laker Dorian Finney-Smith made his debut with the Rockets after recovering from ankle surgery. His presence adds depth to the Rockets, who are looking to capitalize on his experience. Finney-Smith, who played a pivotal role during his time with the Lakers, signed a four-year, $53 million contract with Houston, marking a new chapter in his career.
“Everybody knows how fondly we feel about Doe,” Redick said, reflecting on Finney-Smith’s impact. “He’s a player who drives winning without having to take 15 shots.”
As the Lakers aim to build on this momentum, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The return of Doncic and Hachimura could be the turning point the Lakers desperately need to revive their season. With the stakes high, this matchup against the Rockets is more than just a game—it’s a test of resilience and a chance for the Lakers to reclaim their position in the league.
What’s next? The Lakers look to maintain this lineup’s success as they prepare for their upcoming games, hoping to improve their defense and overall performance on the court. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
