The Denver Nuggets are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers in a marquee matchup on Friday night. This will be the third of four meetings between these two rivals this regular season. Currently, the season series is tied 1-1.

LeBron James will not play in the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Denver Nuggets due to a leg injury. The Lakers face more challenges as Maxi Kleber and Rui Hachimura are also out. Key players like Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic need to step up.

So, regarding whether Aaron Gordon is playing tonight vs. the Lakers, the Nuggets should cautiously approach the forward's current injury given his previous absences. However, a win over Los Angeles would go a long way toward securing Denver's position atop the Western Conference playoff bracket.