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EL SEGUNDO, CA – APRIL 02: Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a Lakers practice at UCLA Health Training Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in El Segundo, CA.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the Denver Nuggets will host the Los Angeles Lakers in Colorado.
The two teams have had a recent history of meeting each other in the NBA playoffs, as the Nuggets beat the Lakers in the 2023 Western Conference finals (and 2024 first round).
For Thursday’s game, both teams have announced their injury reports.
Lakers Injury Report
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward Maxi Kleber (14) stays back on defense during a free throw against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
UPDATE: Maxi Kleber has been ruled out.
The Lakers have listed Maxi Kleber as questionable, and he is the only player on their report against the Nuggets.
He is currently averaging 2.2 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 46.7% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range in 34 games.
The NBA wrote: “STAR-STUDDED SHOWDOWN: Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić square off for the first time this season when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets tonight at 10pm/et on Prime. LeBron James needs three field goals to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record of 15,837. The No. 5 Nuggets are a half-game ahead of the No. 6 Lakers in the Western Conference entering the first of two meetings between the rivals over the next nine days.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Injured Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) sits in street clothes on the bench between Los Angeles Lakers forward Maxi Kleber (14) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15), right, during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 79 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Nuggets Injury Report
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 20: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Cameron Johnson has been ruled out.
On the other side, the Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon, Curtis Jones, Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson.
Cameron Johnson is listed as questionable.
Adam Mares of ALL NBA Podcast wrote: “Maybe the toughest 7-game stretch of the season starts tonight. And lots of national TV games. How many do the Nuggets win? I’ll predict 4-3 but 3-4 or 2-5 feels more likely than 5-2.”
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets talks to the media after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 20, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Lakers And Nuggets This Season
The Lakers are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 37-24 record in 61 games.
They are coming off a year where they lost in the first round.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during a timeout in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The Nuggets are the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 38-24 record in 62 games.
They lost in the second round of the 2025 playoffs.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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