Lakers’ Carlos Boozer listed as questionable to play tonight vs Denver

Kobe Bryant (24), Carlos Boozer (5) and Jeremy Lin (not pictured) sat out Saturday’s practice with the L.A. Lakers. Boozer and Lin are listed as probably, while Bryant was given the day off in order to be rested for their game against Denver at Staples Center Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. (File photo/AP Photo)

Kobe Bryant (24), Carlos Boozer (5) and Jeremy Lin (not pictured) sat out Saturday’s practice with the L.A. Lakers. Boozer and Lin are listed as probably, while Bryant was given the day off in order to be rested for their game against Denver at Staples Center Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. (File photo/AP Photo)

The Lakers may make some changes to their starting lineup, but it has nothing to do with coach Byron Scott feeling upset with any individual performances.

Instead, forward Carlos Boozer is listed as questionable to play when the Lakers (3-10) host the the Denver Nuggets (5-7) on Sunday at Staples Center because of a sore left shoulder. Scott said that Boozer had “complained last week that it was really really sore.” But Scott reported that the pain subsided after sitting out of a practice. Boozer then aggravated it during the Lakers’ loss on Friday to the Dallas Mavericks. Boozer sat out of Saturdays’ practice.

If Boozer does not play, Ed Davis will start at power forward. Boozer has averaged 13.3 points on 49 percent shooting, but has battled inconsistency with both his marksmanship and defense. Davis has averaged 8.3 points on 63.6 percent shooting, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, numbers that make the Lakers consider him their best defender.

“He’s very efficient around the basket,” Scott said of Davis. “He gives us a presence in the paint. We need that tonight with this team.”

Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant will play after missing Saturday’s practice to rest. Lakers guard Jeremy Lin said he will play tonight after missing Saturday’s practice because of a sore back. Lin said he was “hit awkwardly” in an unspecified play in the Lakers’ loss to Dallas, but that the injury stems from “just stuff that got built up.”

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