Los Angeles Lakers have an 8-3 record despite having all three of its top players dealing with injuries. They are currently fourth in the Western Conference, and look like they could be a title contender. LeBron has been the most notable absence due to sciatica. James was cleared for basketball activities last week and on Wednesday was assigned to the franchise’s NBA G League affiliate, South Bay, where he will participate in his first full practice of the season, including 5-on-5 play, as he works toward his return to the floor. On top of James sitting out all 11 games, Luka Dončić has missed four games with a lower leg injury and Austin Reaves sat out three games last week with groin soreness. They have both been able to fill in for James when he is not available. Dončić averages a ridiculous 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game, while Reaves averages 30.3 points, 9.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game.
NBA Power Rankings: Spurs and Pistons leapfrog; Eastern Conference earns it keep
Brad Botkin
The Lakers’ offseason purchases have been a great addition to their team. They are also getting excellent play from Rui hachimura. Deandre Ayton looks good as the starting center, averaging 16.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, Jake LaRavia brought them much-needed 3-point shooting off the bench and Marcus Smart has given them an edge on the defensive end and another ball-handler when Reaves and Dončić are off the floor.
Lakers thrive on offense, despite injuries that have caused lineup instabilities. They’ve also been able to put together an average defense with their limited personnel. This Lakers team and coach JJ redick have had a great start to the season. They are getting the best out of their players, regardless of the combination on the court. Lakers fans will be happy to see the future Hall of Famer return, but there are challenges. Redick must figure out how to get James playing his preferred style without sacrificing what the other players have accomplished so far. All three of James, Dončić and Reaves will have to give a bit to make it all work, with Reaves likely the one to cede the most responsibility to the other two.
Redick will have to find a way to get his best players to work together after he has been playing lineup roulette every night due to injuries. They learned a few lessons from last year. However, it is not surprising that there will be some growing-pains in the early stages of James’ return as they try to figure out the dynamics with the roster for this season.
2025-11-12 18:46:20
Discover more from sportscraper.co.uk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
