To the surprise of just about everyone, the Lakers have put up 40 points in the first quarter despite being without four starters and lead by eight going into the second period. Austin Reaves, the one starter who is playing, leads everyone with 12 points, and L.A. has a monstrous 19-7 edge in rebounding.

However, a series of injuries to key players has them shorthanded as they face the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Headlined by both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the sidelines, the Nuggets will have the upper hand against a shorthanded Lakers team as they make a push to surpass the Memphis Grizzlies in the standings.