Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Jan. 2 | 2024-25 NBA Season

The Portland Trail Blazers and LA Lakers go head to head for the second time this season on Thursday. As expected, the Lakers took care of business when the teams last met at Crypto.com Arena on Dec. 8. Anthony Davis led the charge in LeBron James' absence with 30 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and five blocks in the 107-98 win.

Rui Hachimura had 23 points, five rebounds and four steals while now traded D'Angelo Russell scored 28 points with 14 assists on 9 of 17 shots, including 5 of 10 from 3. Portland led by six at the first quarter's end, but never really looked in control after that.

Shaedon Sharpe's 19 points were the only bright spot for the young group, which had a rough shooting night. The Trail Blazers connected on 41.7% field goals and only nine 3s on 36 attempts.

Thursday could be another lopsided battle in favor of the LA Lakers, who are coming off a 5-3 run over their past eight games. On the other hand, the visiting Portland Trail Blazers have three wins in the same time frame. They are also 3-13 on the road.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Injury Reports for Jan. 2

Portland Trail Blazers injury report

The Trail Blazers have three players on their injury report. Dalano Banton is questionable with a left hip contusion, while Jeram Grant (face contusion) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are ruled out. Bryce McGowens, Justin Minaya and Taze Moore are on G League duties.

LA Lakers injury report

The Lakers have five players on the injury report, who are all ruled out. Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain) and Gabe Vincent (left oblique strain) were questionable earlier before being downgraded to out. Meanwhile, Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) and Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery) were the expected absentees.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs. LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Jan. 2

Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

The Trail Blazers could start Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe in the backcourt. Toumani Camara could Deni Avdija as the two forwards with Deandre Ayton as the center.

Point guards	Anfernee Simons	Dalano Banton	Rayan Rupert
Shooting guards	Shaedon Sharpe	Scoot Henderson
Small forwards	Toumani Camara	Kris Murray
Power forwards	Deni Avdija	Jabari Walker	Duop Reath
Centers	Deandre Ayton	Donovan Clingan	Robert Williams III

LA Lakers Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

The Lakers could start Austin Reaves and Max Christie as the guards with a front three of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes could start in Anthony Davis' spot.

PG	Austin Reaves	Shake Milton	Bronny James
SG	Max Christie	Quincy Olivari
SF	Rui Hachimura	Cam Reddish	Dalton Knecht
PF	LeBron James	Dorian Finney-Smith
C	Jaxson Hayes	Christian Koloko