There is a massive sigh of relief reverberating throughout Los Angeles today in the wake of LeBron James‘s diagnosis of his groin injury. LeBron missed the final minutes of the 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics on prime-time television over the weekend. The Lakers were making a surge to take the game back and might have completed the surge had LeBron not left the game. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out, and the Lakers dropped their first game after winning eight straight. The sigh of relief is for the lessened seriousness of LeBron’s injury, and he should be back before the end of the regular season. That being said, without LeBron, the Lakers will be led by Luka Dončić—his first real test at leading the team without James beside him. How will he fare? Consider this the perfect opportunity for Dončić to show why Los Angeles traded for him.
Can Luka Dončić Thrive In LeBron James’s Absence?
Now Is the Perfect Time For Luka Dončić To Solidify Is Presence with the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are in the middle of dealing with their own slew of injuries, although not to the extent and seriousness of, say, the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs have their own set of deep, unique issues, whereas the Lakers are still in a great position in the West despite important pieces missing in recent games. With LA’s growing injury list, how long can they hold the second seed? Their upcoming schedule is not kind to them, with matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets twice each over the next 10 days. You can also throw the Phoenix Suns in the mix, who certainly have something to play for, considering the continued fall of the Mavericks. The Lakers and Suns meet on Sunday.
With a grueling stretch ahead and playoff seeding on the line, now is the time for Luka to show why the Lakers risked so much to acquire him. LeBron will return, yes. However, the Lakers have no time to rest or let games slip by. First Take‘s Stephen A. Smith believes the Lakers will not fall below the third seed, as he proclaimed on his show with Brian Windhorst and Shannon Sharpe this morning. He believes this stretch, minus LeBron gives Luka a prime opportunity to find his game.
“I think this could actually work to Luka’s advantage because obviously, you’re going to be out there more, being more active, getting your game back because he’s been coming on strong…it’s going to be interesting to see if he can hold up physically. If he can, and he gets his groove on because repetition is going to help him tremendously so…I think that could end up helping the Los Angeles Lakers. I don’t think the Lakers will end up dipping below the third seed.”
Tough Stretch Ahead
It’s not that he hasn’t stood up yet because he most certainly has. In the loss to the Celtics, he put up 34 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. He’s had multiple 30-point games since joining the Lakers, and Stephen A. is correct, Lukahas come on strong and aggressive in recent games. However, it will be different without LeBron. Head coach JJ Redick has implemented a solid game plan of always having one of the two on the floor at all times, if not together. Now, Redick doesn’t have that option. Austin Reaves will have to step up in a massive way to help Luka out.
If Luka can carry the Lakers for as long as LeBron is out, it would be huge for the team going into the playoffs. It will also further invoke more confidence in Luka as he takes more responsibility and workload during an upcoming homestand.
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