Lakers Reveal Plan for Starters in Season Finale vs Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers will be taking on the Portland Trail Blazers in their season finale today. Los Angeles has already clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture, so this game is more of a formality to close out the year.

The Lakers don't know who they will be playing in the first round of the postseason just yet, but all will be revealed today. The team has three options in potential first round opponents out West.

But someone has to play the game, and the Lakers have announced their plan for the key players on the roster. Los Angeles has pretty much ruled out the majority of the core group for this game against the Trail Blazers.

LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith are all out for this contest. Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes will all be questionable entering the game with the Trail Blazers.

Lakers’ injury report for tomorrow in Portland:
— Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith are all out.
— Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent are questionable. pic.twitter.com/PH5Szh3NGg
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 13, 2025

With all of these guys out, others will need to step up if Los Angeles wants to come away with the win. While the game doesn't mean anything for the postseason, there is still a pride factor going into the contest.

More Lakers news: Lakers' Bronny James Shockingly Ties Michael Jordan With Rookie Stat

Los Angeles isn't going to do anything to potentially jeopardize any players that will be in the playoff rotation. Due to this, Vanderbilt, Hayes, and Vincent may not play at all in this contest.

Fans could see a lot of rookies, Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, in this game against Portland. Both players could benefit from more reps on the floor, and neither is expected to be a true rotation piece come playoff time next week.

All in all, it has been a very successful season for the Lakers, but the job isn't finished yet. The playoffs will test them, but they are a confident group and believe that this team can make a run at grabbing another NBA title.

More Lakers news:

Western Conference Executive Compares Lakers' Austin Reaves to Undrafted Hall of Famer

Los Angeles Insider Walks Back Criticism of Bronny James with Honest Admission

Lakers Linked to $100 Million Blazers Star as Summer Trade Target

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Los Angeles Lakers On SI.