The Los Angeles Lakers are a good team and have proven that throughout this season. But despite the outstanding play of Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and the pending return from injury of Austin Reaves, most do not consider this team a championship contender.
The Lakers fell to the New York Knicks 112-100 on Sunday night, putting up a good fight, but again succumbing to a rough third quarter, which has been an issue all season long. Doncic finished with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists while James added 22 points, five rebounds and six assists, but the Lakers just didn’t get enough from their supporting cast.
Afterwards, Luka was asked about the Lakers roster and whether he feels they can compete with a championship and the superstar said that he loves this group of players, via Spectrum SportsNet:
“I think we’re in a good spot. Obviously have some work to do. Today, we missed a lot of good looks. But I think we have a great group.”
When asked the same question, James echoed Doncic’s words about liking the roster overall, while also acknowledging that the Lakers as a whole must continue to get better, via Spectrum SportsNet:
“I like this group. But we gotta continue to get better. And that’s good. We should want to get better, it’s only Feb. 1. But we’re gonna continue to get better and better, what is it, 48 games now? It’s a tough Western Conference, it’s a tough league and like I said, it’s been tough all season dealing with injuries and guys in and guys out. Unfortunately, our All-Star two-guard has been out for a minute, that’s a big piece for our team. So it’s just kind of hard to see what we really truly can be.”
For all of the concerns about the Lakers, they remain right in the thick of the Western Conference race despite many games missed from both Reaves and James, not to mention many other role players on the roster.
This team is not perfect and perhaps there is a move to be made prior to the trade deadline that will get this team closer to championship contention. But this group remains a close one and Luka and LeBron believe in the players assembled on this roster.
JJ Redick addresses state of Lakers roster ahead of NBA trade deadline
Head coach JJ Redick was also asked about the Lakers roster with the trade deadline approaching this week and the Lakers coach was in-line with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, praising his players for constantly trying to play the right way and saying they’ve been great all season long.
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