The Los Angeles Lakers get their first look at D’Angelo Russell back at Crypto.com Arena, but this time in a different uniform, as they host the Brooklyn Nets seeking to stay in the top six in the Western Conference.

Won't play against Brooklyn

The 127-101 beating the Nets took from the Thunder at Paycom Center — and the way OKC has run through the entire league — is a scary reminder of just how well-poised Sunday’s foe is to dominate the NBA both today and tomorrow.

Dorian Finney-Smith missed the Lakers' win on Wednesday due to the birth of his first child, but will he return on Friday versus the Nets?

The most game-defining aspect of tonight's injury report is the hosts' star duo. LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the biggest names in all of basketball, are 'probable' to join the rotation, but that's not a guaruntee.

The parity between the top and bottom of the NBA in 2024-25 is as lopsided as it’s ever been. Certain teams continuously cannot get over the hump. It’s been like that for the Trail Blazers, Hornets, and Wizards for years now. There are also teams like the Nets that have been contenders in the past.

That's the question sure to be on the minds of both concerned L.A. fans and the Lakers themselves. Per Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, Finney-Smith is considered doubtful to suit up for personal reasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers get their first look at D’Angelo Russell back at Crypto.com Arena, but this time in a different uniform, as they host the Brooklyn Nets seeking to stay in the top six in the Western Conference.

The LA Lakers are set to renew their rivalry with the LA Clippers on Sunday, marking the first meeting between the two Los Angeles teams this season.

The Nets will be short-handed for this game, especially since guard Cam Thomas, who leads them with 24.7 points a game this season, won't play. A healthy Nets team could be competitive against the Lakers, but a short-handed one likely won't.

Lakers wing Dorian Finney-Smith was a new addition to the team‘s injury report ahead of their game against the Heat.