Lakers Make Starting Lineup Change vs Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers are making a change to their lineup against the LA Clippers

Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Riding a four-game win streak, the Los Angeles Lakers host their crosstown rival LA Clippers on Friday night. In a star-studded matchup that will feature LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden, barring injuries, fans should be in for a treat on Friday.

The Clippers have lost three of their last four games, desperately needing a spark to gain some momentum back as they head into the final stretch. Friday's matchup should be a good one, especially with both teams fighting for playoff positioning, but the Lakers are deciding to make a change ahead of the big game.

Feb 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) controls the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Lakers are changing their starting lineup against the Clippers, moving Dorian Finney-Smith into the first five. Finney-Smith is replacing Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup, who is sidelined for Friday's matchup due to a left knee strain.

"JJ Redick said that the Lakers are 'optimistic' that Rui Hachimura’s left knee strain isn’t serious," The Athletic's Jovan Buha posted. "That said, they don’t have a timetable for him to return yet. He had imaging done today."

JJ Redick said that the Lakers are “optimistic” that Rui Hachimura’s left knee strain isn’t serious. That said, they don’t have a timetable for him to return yet. He had imaging done today.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 1, 2025

The Lakers traded for Finney-Smith in late December, and the 31-year-old forward is set to make his seventh start as a Laker on Friday night. In 22 games with LA, Finney-Smith is averaging 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting 37.2% from beyond the arc.

Putting a defensive-minded player like Finney-Smith alongside guys like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves should fair well for the Lakers, and the Clippers will certainly have their hands full on Friday night.

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