The new starting lineup the Lakers incorporated two games ago became another new lineup Thursday night because of an injury.
And yet even in losing one of their defensive stalwarts in Cam Reddish because of a left groin strain, the goal the Lakers had in mind when they originally shuffled their lineup didn’t change.
Sign up for the Ball Don't Lie weekly hoops newsletter
Defense was and is the mandate for this group no matter who starts.
Read more: Lakers' Gabe Vincent to miss months as Jarred Vanderbilt's role increases
So, with Rui Hachimura starting in place of Reddish, joining Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Taurean Prince and Jarred Vanderbilt in his third straight start, the Lakers sought to put those words into action against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.