The LA Lakers dominated the first chapter of the LA rivalry at Crypto.com Arena. Now, the LA Clippers return home with a chance to respond in front of their own crowd. Pride is on the line as the rivalry grows, and every win carries added weight. Any slip only improves defending champion OKC’s lottery odds, leaving little room for error.

The challenge, however, is steep. The Clippers face one of the West’s true powerhouses, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Their presence alone shifts the balance of any matchup. Whether both stars take the floor tonight looms as the defining question heading into the clash.

Are Luka Doncic, LeBron James playing tonight? Latest injury update on the Lakers

Doncic was surreal for the Purple and Gold two days ago. He dismantled the Utah Jazz with an explosive 45-point triple-double. He’s at the heart of everything the Lakers do. And Luka Magic is slated to suit up against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Similarly, LeBron James dealt with sciatica, causing him to miss the first 14 games of the season. But even the King has started to settle into the season, having played the last four games for the Lakers. He is also fully fit to take on Kawhi Leonard and Co. at the Intuit Dome.

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Lakers injury report

The Lakers will have their two stalwarts, but the team is also dealing with some key absences. Notably, three of their starters are either out or questionable.

Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves will both miss the clash against the Clippers, still recovering from their respective injuries. Furthermore, Rui Hachimura is also listed as questionable with right groin soreness. Problems worsen for JJ Redick as their perimeter threat, Gabe Vincent, is dealing with back issues and will be out against the Clippers.

Are James Harden, Kawhi Leonard playing tonight? Latest injury update on the Clippers

James Harden missed a rare game with a left calf contusion against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, ‘The Beard’ seems to have recovered from his ailment, not appearing on the Clippers’ injury report.

Kawhi Leonard might have had some worries about availability at the beginning of the season. But those are slowly starting to disintegrate. Not only has Leonard regularly suited up, but he is also averaging 24.8 points, his highest mark over the last four seasons. He is also expected to play against the Lakers tonight.

Clippers injury report

Unlike the Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers’ injury report hasn’t grown from what it already was. Bradley Beal, their big offseason acquisition, underwent hip surgery, which ruled him out for the entire season.

Athletic forward Derrick Jones Jr. is still recovering from an MCL tear, ruling him out for the contest against the Purple and Gold. Aside from them, sharpshooter Cam Christie is questionable with a foot injury.

Luka Doncic & LeBron James stats Vs Clippers: How they’ve performed in past matchups

If anybody has followed Luka Doncic knows he holds something against the Clippers. Maybe it was those intense battles, which saw Doncic hit a game-winner in the Bubble in what was a heated series.

The grudge against them has seen the 26-year-old average 33.2 points and 10 assists in his previous five encounters against them. In the only matchup this season, he put 43 past them, leading the Lakers to victory.

As for LeBron James, the Lakers’ cornerstone has been embroiled in the city rivalry since joining the Lakers. In 50 games against them, the Akron Hammer has a 30-20 record. In their last five matchups, James has shot 51% from the field while averaging 24.2 points. With Reaves missing out, JJ Redick will expect James to take a heavier scoring role besides Doncic.

Lakers Vs Clippers match preview and what to expect

Although the stars are expected to be out there, the contest itself could be lopsided. The first meeting saw the Lakers demolish their rivals 118-135 during the NBA Cup group stage games. But that was also on the back of Austin Reaves’ sensational 31-point display. Without him, the Clippers could exploit the Lakers’ vulnerable defense.

In particular, Ivica Zubac could play a big role with Ayton missing out. Kawhi Leonard and Harden have the mighty task of matching Doncic and James’ production. From a depth perspective, both teams are weak, leaving much of the work to the starters. Speaking of that, let’s see how these two teams might line up.

Lakers Vs Clippers predicted starting lineups

Do you think the Clippers can stun the Lakers tonight? Let us know your views in the comments below.