After being shorthanded in Thursday’s win, the Lakers look set to be at full strength against the Nuggets with Luka Dončić listed as probable.
Set for a faceoff with their kryptonite in the Nuggets, the Lakers look set to enter battle at full strength.
After being without Luka Dončić and Jarred Vanderbilt in Thursday’s win over the Blazers, both have much more favorable designations for Saturday’s game. Vando is entirely off the injury report while Luka, along with LeBron James, is listed as probable.
Luka Dončić and LeBron James are listed as probable on the Lakers’ injury report for tomorrow at Denver: pic.twitter.com/Yn2G9EXLcQ
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) February 21, 2025
Considering neither was on the injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Hornets, this was expected. Both players sitting out in Thursday’s game was simply rest after recently returning from injury.
Luka also is unlikely to be on a minutes restriction. Earlier in the week at practice, head coach JJ Redick noted that he would have fewer limitations on him moving forward, namely in the form of a minutes cap.
The Lakers will need everything they can get from Luka in this one and certainly much more than what he’s provided them since putting on the purple and gold jersey. It’ll be quite the test for the Lakers, who have struggled to beat the Nuggets over the last three seasons, to say the least.
It’ll also be a nice barometer as to where this version of the Lakers stands. While it’s still early in their process, getting a chance to measure themselves against one of the Western Conference elites will be useful.
And fortunately, they’ll be able to do that measuring while at, effectively, full strength.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.