The Los Angeles Lakers are focused on fostering an exciting postseason environment in the City of Angels. LeBron James and Luka Doncic have done a lot in helping the team rise through the Western Conference.
The franchise is also pulling the stops to generate as much interest in the Purple and Gold as they can. Releasing the footage of Luka’s first practice with the team is generating plenty of interest for what the team hopes is a deep postseason run.
With a masterful tactician like JJ Redick leading the team, the Lakers are poised to finish as one of the biggest favorites to make it out of the West. However, the injury bug is posing a threat to their chances of finishing the season strongly.
LeBron James headlines Lakers news as the biggest name to miss out on the team’s next game
The Brooklyn Nets aren’t the worst team they can face, as the Lakers are dealing with multiple injuries. Their 21-42 record suggests that they’re more likely to win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes than make a late push for the play-in tournament.
CBS Sports’ injury report lists the 40-year-old forward at the top of the list with a groin injury. While long-time Laker fans would remember King James’ long-term groin injury early in his Crypto.com Arena tenure,
Moreover, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Maxi Kleber will be out for ankle, knee, and foot issues, respectively. These injuries will leave Redick with a barebones roster with only a few big men to safeguard the paint.
While some may use the report as a reason for the Lakers to lose against the Nets, Fadeaway World’s Gautam Varier reports that it’s not all gloom and doom:
While these five won’t be suiting up, the Lakers have some hope that Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes will, with both being listed as questionable. Doncic is suffering from back soreness after taking a hard fall during Thursday’s 113-109 win over the New York Knicks. He was able to play against the Celtics but was seen wincing in pain at times during the night.
As for Hayes, he missed the game against the Celtics due to a right knee contusion. Redick had stated he didn’t believe the injury was too serious and the big man should be back sooner rather than later.
If the Lakers’ coaching staff feels resting their superstar players would help their chances to finish the season strongly, then Brooklyn may be in for an easier game.
However, everyone knows how competitive Redick is. If Luka’s fit enough to play, you can count on the rookie head coach to activate him.
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