The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a slump, dropping seven of their last 10 games, including a crushing 134-132 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Despite holding an 11-point lead during the game and being ahead with just seconds left in overtime, the Lakers faltered, with Trae Young’s game-winning three-pointer sealing their fate.
After the loss, LeBron James attributed the team’s woes to injuries that have severely impacted their lineup. The Lakers’ depth has been tested, and the absence of key players has hindered their ability to compete consistently.
Player absences have contributed
LeBron highlighted the impact of missing several important players, including Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood. Reaves, who has been sidelined by a pelvic injury, missed the entire recent road trip. Hayes has appeared in just 11 games this season, nursing a right ankle injury that has kept him out of most recent matchups.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt and Wood have yet to play a single game this season, dealing with knee and foot injuries, respectively.
“We have about five guys in our top 11 that are not in uniform,” LeBron explained.
“We’re mixing and matching a lot, trying to find ways, so it’s very challenging.” The four-time MVP noted that the team’s lack of a safety net to start the season has only compounded the problem.
“We didn’t have much room for error at the beginning of the season, so to have five guys out… it’s some big pieces,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, LeBron expressed determination to keep pushing forward. While unsure what exactly will help the team “get over the hump,” he stressed the need to persevere.
“We just gotta not drown,” LeBron said. “We’ll be alright.”
The Lakers face a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies after Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. To reverse their fortunes, the team must find ways to stay healthy and rediscover their rhythm as the season progresses.
Though the margin for error grows slimmer, the Lakers remain hopeful for a turnaround.
