The Lakers are stuck in a losing streak with injuries to the majority of their starting line, a storm that Austin Reaves says the team has to weather.
After riding high for over a month, the pendulum has swung all the way in the other direction.
Thursday’s blowout defeat was the third straight loss for the purple and gold. It comes during a span when the injuries have mounted. LeBron James suffered a groin strain in Boston and he, along with Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, returned to Los Angeles before the road trip even ended.
It’s left a Lakers team already short on size, figuratively and literally, without it’s starting frontcourt. And, as a result, the team has struggled against Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Against the Bucks, the lack of options outside of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves led to a blowout loss.
It’s a tough situation for everyone on the roster. Without solutions, the team is left trying to wade the rough waters until players can return from injury.
“I just think the room for error is very small,” Reaves said after Thursday’s loss. “With Bron, Jax, Rui out, like you said, three starters that play a significant role for us, they do a lot for our team. I feel like the guys that have stepped up and got more minutes have played their ass off and done well.
“But we just have to figure out a way to do more as a collective group. These are the times in the season where you’re tested and you have to figure out a way to weather the storm. I have no doubt we’ll do that.”
Friday is going to be a similar situation, if not worse, against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. It would take something special, likely from Reaves or Luka, to stop the losing streak from increasing to four games.
The hope now, though, is that reinforcements are near. While the Lakers will be home for the final pair of back-to-backs, the same problems will exist if players don’t return.
After so much fun when Luka first landed in LA, the last week has been rocky waters. Hopefully, the sea calms for the Lakers in the near future and it’s a bit smoother sailing.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.