Even Luka Doncic’s 45-point performance could not rescue the Lakers from the Bucks last night. However, while they ended up getting blown out by twenty points, JJ Redick was surprisingly content with the team’s effort, “I thought our competitive level was really high. I think overall, it’s a tough matchup if we’re not at full strength. That’s just reality… But in terms of the connectedness, the spirit, the competitiveness, it was there tonight.” But ESPN veteran Tim Legler burst Redick’s bubble with a harsh reality check!

Addressing the Lakers’ performance against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co., Legler said, “I will disagree with JJ Redick little bit. I wasn’t sure how hard I would say they were playing. I didn’t think their defense was particularly tough. I don’t think they offered a whole lot of resistance to the Bucks who did pretty much what they wanted.” With LeBron James and several other key players out due to injury, the Bucks had no trouble penetrating the Lakers’ defense.

In fact, they were on pace to score 140 points. Their core stars, Giannis, Lillard, and Lopez combined for 69 points, while Kevin Porter Jr. dropped 22 points off the bench. Moreover, Legler highlighted how LeBron’s absence has affected the Lakers and led to their recent downfall, “Their defense is really where this team has hung their hat for the last six weeks. LeBron is a huge part of that… You can just see the lack of physicality without him on the floor. Right now, all that momentum they built up is gone.”

Sure, Luka’s arrival has turned the Lakers into a lethal offensive team. But they have thrived because of their impressive defense. Since the All-Star break, Redick’s squad has been the fifth best defensive team in the league, with a 109.8 rating.

However, they have been unable to maintain that energy since LeBron’s injury. Legler continued, “Question that remains is how long will he be out? How far do they fall waiting for him to comeback?… Right now, this boat is taking on water while they wait for reinforcements to come.” And it looks like reinforcement is not going to arrive anytime soon!

Lakers in trouble as Luka Doncic and Other key players get sidelined for Nuggets clash

Well, Redick’s team has not won a game since LeBron injured his groin. And that trend might continue tonight as they take on Nikola Jokic and Co. That’s because while LBJ continues to remain sidelined for this road trip, Doncic is also out for tonight’s game. The reason? Left calf injury management and right ankle sprain.

Adding to the concerns, Trey Jemison III (illness), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management), and Gabe Vincent (left knee injury management) have also been downgraded to out. Obviously, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber will also not suit up as they are still recovering from their respective injuries.

With eight key players out, beating the mighty Nuggets seems highly unlikely. Legler even claimed it on air, “Obviously, they’re gonna have to concede this game tonight.” Moreover, there is yet no clarity on LeBron’s return as he is expected to be reevaluated next week. So, with the injury concerns worsening, the Lakers are at massive risk of falling further down the standings and losing all the advantage they had gained so far. Do you think JJ Redick can get his team out of this hole and keep them afloat until LBJ returns?