Game News

Report: Lakers announce big changes to starting lineup for Friday’s matchup vs. Pacers

Published by
Robert Marvi

For the Los Angeles Lakers, the second half of the 2020-21 NBA season begins tonight, and their starting lineup will look a little different than it has lately.

Starting center Marc Gasol will miss tonight’s contest against the Indiana Pacers due to the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. He had missed the final two games before the All-Star break for the same reason.

Superstar big man Anthony Davis, of course, is still out with a calf injury and Achilles tendonosis.

In lieu of Gasol, Damian Jones will get the start at center. He was just signed to a second 10-day contract by the Lakers, and he will get another opportunity to sell the team on keeping him for the rest of the season.

As a result, L.A. may be hard-pressed to contain Pacers big men Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. Sabonis is averaging 20.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists on the season and was named to the All-Star team for the second season in a row.

After tonight, the Purple and Gold will have two full days off before heading to Northern California to face Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Robert Marvi

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif., and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA fan since he was a little kid in the mid '90s and fell in love with the Nick Van Exel-led Lakers teams. He truly cherishes the Kobe Bryant-era of Lakers basketball and the five world championships that came with it, and is looking forward to the team's next NBA title.

Published by
Robert Marvi

Recent Posts

Ex-NBA journeyman takes shot at Rashad McCants for hating on LeBron

Former NBA player Eddie Johnson had a long NBA career, and he recently came to…

May 13, 2026

Rashad McCants on LeBron’s role in 2020 title: ‘The coronavirus was the No. 1 option’

Former NBA guard Rashad McCants recently took a shot at Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron…

May 13, 2026

Source close to LeBron drops clue on veteran’s future: ‘He loves it in L.A.’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent,…

May 13, 2026

Report: LeBron took issue with what Rob Pelinka did after big win in March

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reportedly wasn’t happy with a decision general manager Rob…

May 13, 2026

LeBron James goes full UNC as he chastises OKC Thunder kid behind Lakers bench

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping they haven't met their match in the second round…

May 8, 2026

Ric Flair continues to take shots at Luka Doncic while praising LeBron James

Ric Flair praised Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James on social media on Thursday while…

May 7, 2026