Injuries have been an issue for the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the offensive burden on LeBron James and Luka Doncic in recent weeks. Up to this point, the results have been a mixed bag in terms of wins and losses.
Los Angeles’ strong start to the regular season was impressive, but that strong has dropped dramatically. Fortunately, the Lakers remain in the top six despite their recent struggles, but a change is needed.
Particularly with James, he is in a nice offensive rhythm after missing the first couple of weeks of the regular season. Against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, the 41-year-old was having himself a fourth quarter and even dove for loose balls to help his team come back.
Despite Milwaukee giving L.A. their first clutch time loss, Jake LaRavia appreciates James’ willingness to do everything for the team despite his age.
“Of course, I mean, LeBron’s LeBron,” LaRavia said. “Like, he’s No. 1 all-time points, No. 2 in assists still playing at an elite level at 41 and was huge down the stretch for us tonight and has been honestly this entire year. So to continue to see him do that and then also making those effort plays for us, it’s definitely very cool to see.”
When the four-time champion made his season debut, it was evident that he needed time to work himself into game shape. However, narratives were pushed about whether he could truly help this Lakers team in his 23rd year.
With Austin Reaves sidelined with a calf strain, James is even more important because he can man the ship while Doncic rests. This was proven against the Bucks by having a 13-point fourth quarter when L.A. clearly was not finding any sort of offensive rhythm.
Unfortunately, he had a late turnover that ultimately cost Los Angeles their 13th loss. However, a lighter schedule remains for the rest of the month and it is up to James and Doncic to still do their parts as leaders.
LeBron James gifted his jersey to Giannis Antetokounmpo
Friday was the first time LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo played against each other since Dec. 2, 2022. The Bucks star lived up to the hype and James joined the party in the final frame.
Who knows whether these two greats will face off again, so the future Hall of Famer gifted his jersey to Antetokounmpo after Milwaukee snagged a four-point win over L.A.
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