The Los Angeles Lakers barely scraped through their last game against the Charlotte Hornets. And that was considerably a much easier matchup than the one they’re about to face. They will be welcoming the Miami Heat at Staples Center, a team that is at the top of the Eastern Conference and a 7-3 record. What could be worse is that LeBron James and six more of their players are on the injury report already.
The Lakers really need to redeem themselves after all the hype that surrounded them because of their offseason moves. Their super team hasn’t proved to be super at all, and their injury woes seem to be a hurdle. Looks like it won’t be any different against the Heat.
LeBron James remains out, while Anthony Davis is probable
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The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had a decent continuous run this season so far. Since last season, injuries keep on following them around and have had major consequences for them so far. Unfortunately, facing a team like the Heat would require all hands on deck, which the Lakers don’t seem to have.
LeBron James is definitely the difference maker for their team. However, he and Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker are listed out for the matchup against Miami. Austin Reaves, who has largely impressed everyone and has drawn comparisons to Alex Caruso, is probable because of a hamstring injury in his left leg, along with Rajon Rondo.
Rondo played a big role in helping the Lakers get their rhythm back when Westbrook was benched against Charlotte. Until he was also ejected for a flagrant foul. Finally, the real hero behind their eventual victory was Anthony Davis, who scored 32 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and had 3 steals, is also questionable against Miami.
The Lakers’ injury report for tomorrow’s game against Miami:
— LeBron James, Trevor Ariza, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn are out.
— Rajon Rondo (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left hamstring strain) are questionable.
— Anthony Davis is probable. pic.twitter.com/7tvFEf1BkC— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 10, 2021
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The onus of the Lakers falls on Russell Westbrook
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This means that Russell Westbrook is in a do-or-die situation. Fans have already lost their patience, asking for him to be traded after his inability to lead the way for the purple and gold in Bron’s absence. Even though this was the sole reason for adding him to the roster.
His below-par performances are going to do no good against a team that dominates both ends of the floor. Jimmy Butler has been phenomenal so far, and already entering the MVP conversation for this season. However, some of their players are also probable for Wednesday’s bout. Two of them are Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, something the Lakers can take advantage of.
AD was questionable for the game against Hornets as well, but he still showed up. So, there is hope that Russ might have him to rely on. Of course, there is also Carmelo Anthony to contribute as a role player. If the Lakers lose this, they will have to face some brutal bashing. And considering how long their injury report is, it seems likely. Do you think they can pull off a miracle?
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