Yesterday, the LakeShow had Hollywood buzzing- a shorthanded squad lighting up Miami, three players dropping 20+ each, and social media giving them cheesy band names (“Tres Leches,” seriously?). Fast forward 24 hours, and the vibe couldn’t be more different.

After that feel-good win at home, the Lakers rolled into Portland- and promptly deflated the excitement. Not because they’re losing, but because fans tuning in were hoping to see Luka Doncic headline the night. Instead, the newly revealed starting lineup is missing the very names that had LA celebrating just last night.

Doncic is sitting out the second half of the back-to-back for rest, while Austin Reaves joins the injury list. A reminder that in the NBA, momentum is as fleeting as a Hollywood script rewrite.

Doncic sat out the second week of the season with a leg contusion and finger injury. He played two games last week but is resting again for lower left leg contusion injury management, as per reports.

Reaves’ condition might be more concerning at the moment. He is ruled out with right groin soreness. The severity of it is not known and how long that will keep him on the sidelines.

The Lakers’ starting lineup tonight has Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Ayton had missed Sunday’s game because of back spasms after an early exit from Friday’s game. It appears he’s rested for a comeback.

Tonight, though, most eyes are going to be on Jake LaRavia without Luka and AR on the floor. Two of the biggest stars missing are a letdown, but the expectation for the 24-year-old to carry forward the momentum will be the highest.

Lakers pace Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ahead of big matchup

During Luka Doncic’s break, AR overshadowed him with a 51-point outing. Doncic was back last Friday for the first NBA Cup group stage game, overwhelming the Grizzlies with another 40+ points game. The combination of Doncic and Reaves has kept the Lakers at an impressive 5-2 record despite the absence of LeBron James. It’s Jake LaRavia’s surprising emergence that is aiding the duo, though.

Last night, Doncic (29 points), Reaves (26 points), and LaRavia (25 points) formed a formidable trio that toppled the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena, each scoring 20+ points. They became instant favorites yesterday. However, the Lakers are pacing this trio across back-to-back games.

LaRavia, though, is held at 2 points at halftime. The Lakers are down 53-50, and Blazers fans believe that without Doncic and Reaves, LA has essentially conceded this game. They’re probably looking at Wednesday’s matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs and ensuring Doncic and Reaves are healthy for it.