Washington Wizards vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 21, 2025
The Washington Wizards face the LA Lakers on Tuesday, the first of two meetings between the two teams this year. Washington, 0-4 against Los Angeles in the last two seasons, will hope to end the home team’s dominance. The Wizards must overcome the absence of key players due to injuries to pull off an upset, though.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will look to take advantage of the visitors’ injury-hampered lineup. LeBron James and Co. will look to bounce back following a 116-102 loss to the LA Clippers on Sunday. Anthony Davis is on the injury report, but the Lakers are still favored even if the star big man is held out.
Washington Wizards vs LA Lakers Injury Report
Washington Wizards injury report
Malcolm Brogdon (foot), Saddiq Bey (surgery recovery) and Marvin Bagley III (knee) are out. Patrick Baldwin Jr. didn't travel with the team following his assignment to the G League.
LA Lakers injury report
Christian Wood (surgery recovery), Jarred Vanderbilt (surgery recovery) and Jalen Hood-Schifino are on the inactive list. Anthony Davis is iffy because of a sore right calf. He returned from a two-game absence to play against the Clippers but struggled, so LA could hold him out.
Meanwhile, LeBron James is probable (injury management) but is expected to play.
Washington Wizards vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
Washington Wizards starting lineup and depth chart
LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
Washington Wizards vs LA Lakers: Key Matchups
Anthony Davis vs. Alex Sarr
The Wizards gave Jonas Valanciunas a reserve role to fast-track the development of Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. If Anthony Davis is cleared to play, the Frenchman will get his first one-on-one matchup against the All-Star big man.
Sarr has held his own against lanky forwards but has struggled when guarding bigger and more bruising inside operators. The Wizards usually send double teams when their prized rookie gets such matchups. If Davis suits up, expect Washington to help Sarr on defense.
Still, there will be opportunities for interesting Sarr-Davis moments in the game.
LeBron James vs Kyle Kuzma
LeBron James has dominated Kyle Kuzma in head-to-head matchups. The four-time MVP is averaging 31.0 points, 8.3 assists and 7.9 rebounds in seven games against Kuz. James owns a career 6-1 record against his former teammate.
If AD is in street clothes on Tuesday, James will unquestionably look for his shots more, making it crucial for Kuzma to hold up defensively. The Washington Wizards will find it tough to beat the hosts if Kings James has a big-scoring night.
Jordan Poole vs Austin Reaves
Neither Jordan Poole nor Austin Reaves are known for playing elite defense. The matchup will be entertaining when one attacks because both are excellent dribblers who are creative with their shots.
Reaves plays a big role for the LA Lakers on offense. Poole’s much-maligned defense must step up to prevent AR from getting his rhythm. The Lakers guard could explode if JP isn’t up to the task.