The Lakers went from red-hot to reeling. Three straight losses, LeBron sidelined, and now a brutal back-to-back against Denver? The timing couldn’t be worse. As if committing to the NBA does not already mean that you are agreeing to play a gruelling maximum of 82 games per season! This intense and packed schedule has affected the Lakers, and Doc Rivers promptly took advantage of it.
Coach Rivers participated in a presser after the win against the Lakers. During the same, a reporter highlighted how Giannis Antetokounmpo and co made 19 points in the 3rd quarter itself. Rivers complimented his players’ ability to come out during half-time. However, he admitted it wouldn’t have been possible if the Lakers weren’t already struggling.
After all, as the coach highlighted, “They (Lakers) have injuries, number one. They have a brutal back-to-back, and they play Denver tomorrow, which is crazy. And then I think they play a 12 on Sunday. So, we just felt like, you know, forced a hand. Come out, play some defense,” the Bucks coach highlighted.
Fortunately, Doc Rivers & Co. were able to catch a break and win the game even after the first half did not go their way. All because the time wasn’t too good for their rivals.
March has been brutal for the Los Angeles Lakers. Six games in, half on the road. Now, they have less than 24 hours before facing the Denver Nuggets, a team that has beaten them eight out of the last ten times. To make things worse? Four players are out, including LeBron James.
Mar 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after beiing issued a technical foul against the New York Knicks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The combination of the injuries and the packed schedule is now clearly reflecting in the Lakers’ record. After a 7-game win streak, the team has now lost 3 of their most recent games. Granted, the NBA cannot be blamed for this. After all, they didn’t anticipate the injuries when setting the game schedule in advance. Furthermore, playing under a packed schedule is something all 30 NBA franchises have to face throughout a season. However, Doc Rivers’ remarks make one wonder, “Why? Why so many games?”
Well, that question can be pinned for later, because JJ Redick is currently focused on discussing things that he can control, and which are near his future. And that is the upcoming matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
JJ Redick gives worrying update about LeBron James and Co.’s injuries before Nuggets game
Before the Lakers-Bucks game, Jovan Buha took to X to provide an important update. According to longtime journalist, JJ Redick revealed that the team sent LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, and Rui Hachimura all back to Los Angeles for rest and recovery. Redick’s tone said it all—he had no clue what shape his team would be in come game time. With LeBron back in LA to recover and multiple key players out, the Lakers are running out of reinforcements fast.
“The expectation is, but again I don’t know how these guys are doing after this game, and I frankly have no idea how they’re going to wake up in the morning,” said Redick when giving an injury update for his players.
Imagn
After being given a lifeline by acquiring Luka Doncic, the Lakers are now back in a rut. Other teams are noticing this too. If they don’t turn things around fast, they might not even make it to the playoffs!
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