Los Angeles Lakers followers are taking a collective deep breath as LeBron James heads to the sidelines after a groin pressure within the recreation in opposition to the Boston Celtics.
As James will possible sit out one to 2 weeks, the worry is that this might hurt the Lakers’ playoff seeding and future prospects. Yet historical past says in any other case.
LeBron James Downplays His Groin Strain
For the upcoming Sunday, James can be re-evaluated to see if he can be eligible to play within the subsequent video games. Sources instructed ESPN that the 40-year-old ahead even downplayed his situation, saying that there was “not much concern.” He even mentioned it will be positive after a “day-to-day” remedy.
Lakers Have Been Here Before
This isn’t the primary time that Los Angeles has needed to push via accidents to their largest star. In 2023, the Lakers had been in the identical boat when James sat out a complete month after struggling a foot damage.
While the setback definitely occurred, the staff nonetheless pushed via to have a deep run within the playoffs, making it to the Western Conference Finals. That expertise can be a blueprint for the current roster.
The Luka Doncic Factor is Ready to Take Over
Among the best gamers this season is Luka Doncic. The energetic guard has already established himself as a point-scorer, and his transition has been simpler with James out to heal.
Doncic and his teammates have good chemistry, and the Lakers require him to contribute now greater than ever earlier than.
Can the Lakers Maintain Their Position?
The entire is at present resting within the No. 3 seed within the Western Conference, with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets nipping at their heels. Although they maintain a pleasant cushion over the Golden State Warriors, the close to future nonetheless holds its share of robust video games.
Luckily, vital video games in opposition to Memphis and Houston will not arrive till late March, permitting James time to come back again earlier than these must-win video games, CBS Sports experiences.
Falling out of the highest three seeds would create an early playoff matchup with the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder. But dodging a first-round sequence in opposition to a scorching Golden State staff with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler won’t be the worst factor on the earth.
Each recreation with out James can be a problem, however remaining inside placing distance of a excessive seed is paramount.
Key Players Who Must Step Up
Austin Reaves
When James has been out prior to now, Austin Reaves has excelled in a bigger position. In the previous two seasons, Reaves has averaged 21.7 factors, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per recreation when James is absent. He might want to maintain performing nicely to assist maintain the Lakers’ offense.
Rui Hachimura
Hachimura’s projected return will convey wanted depth and scoring. His vary and skill to defend a number of spots can be important throughout James’ downtime.
Defensive Changes Without LeBron
Though James’ scoring capability isn’t up for debate, his personal latest defensive work has been phenomenal too. His loss provides additional stress to the Lakers’ protection, notably since they did not usher in a middle on the commerce deadline.
Jaxson Hayes has stuffed the invoice in a reserve position, however there is not any elite rim protector on the roster. Two-way heart Trey Jemison has proven nicely in backup reps, however a lot of the defensive weight can be shifted to the wings. Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent must increase their defensive recreation to make up for James’ loss.
Shooting Issues and Expected Regression
The Lakers have been having bother taking pictures threes since Doncic arrived. They are making simply 36% on wide-open threes and 32.4% on open pictures—each charges considerably decrease than their pre-trade marks. The silver lining? These figures point out a doable taking pictures uptick merely via pure regression. If Doncic and Reaves maintain creating high quality seems to be, effectivity will enhance.
Can the Lakers Preserve Their Defensive Identity?
Unexpectedly, the Lakers have been extra depending on protection than offense beneath Doncic. They are at present ranked No. 2 in defensive effectivity, a mirrored image of their attacking scheme and dedication to creating turnovers.
Turnover creation can be that rather more important with James out. The Lakers have risen from twentieth to twelfth in turnover creation since getting Dončić, and they should maintain enjoying their aggressive type of protection.
© Copyright 2025 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce with out permission.
