Depleted Lakers looking to break losing streak in Denver

What a difference a week can make in the world of basketball. Less than a week ago, the Los Angeles Lakers were flying high and travelled to Massachusetts as second seed in the Western Conference on the back of an eight-game winning streak. Things, however came crashing down at TD Garden on Sunday as they not only lost to great rivals, the Boston Celtics but also lost LeBron James to injury during the game.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has missed the last two games with a groin strain and this bad news has been compounded on Friday with the confirmation that Luka Doncic is also out of action due to a sprained right ankle and his lingering left calf ailment.

The Lakers head to the Ball Arena on Friday night in the finale of a four-game road trip when they visit the Denver Nuggets.

Along with James being sidelined at least through Friday, Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy) and Jaxson Hayes (bruised right knee) are out and Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle) and Gabe Vincent (left knee) are doubtful.

James, Hachimura and Hayes already have been sent back to Los Angeles.

“There’s no reason for them to travel,” coach JJ Redick said. “They’ve got acute injuries that frankly, they’re better served without the travel and rehabbing back in L.A. They won’t play (on Friday), but they’re day to day from here on out.”

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