LeBron James led Lakers finally began their season this week. After a dismal performance in the 2020-21 season, the Lakers made a plethora of changes to their roster and had an extended off-season.

Given the incredible amount of star power in their side and the amount of rest they have had as a roster, big things were expected off of the side ahead of their season opener against the Warriors.

But despite some big time performances by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ supporting cast struggled to make a significant impact on the team. With Russell Westbrook chucking up shots and the defense by Bron and Co. inconsistent, the team fell off.

Robert Horry Explains How LeBron James Has ‘Reinvented Himself’ for The 2021-22 Season

Lakers’ set to miss key players against Grizzlies

While the supporting cast is underperforming, one of the biggest concerns for the Lakers so far is the number of injuries their roster has. In their six game pre-season run, the team saw multiple crucial players suffer through injuries.

Many of their guards, like Wayne Ellington, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn, all had minutes under their belt. But they come at a cost as the trio is unavailable for the game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Trending

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

“I Am Sorry to Her” – Caitlin Clark Responds to Her Third-Grade Teacher’s Special Message.

April 17, 2024 09:19 AM EDT

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

While Ellington is recovering from a hamstring strain, THT recently had a surgery for a thumb injury and Nunn meanwhile has a bone bruise to his right knee. Apart from the guard trio, forward Trevor Ariza is set to miss the game because of an ankle injury.

The injuries to these four players can be a real game changer. With so many key rotational players out, the Lakers will have to rely on players like Austin Reeves to step up. Especially the miss of Ariza has been a real problem for the Lakers.

If the veteran forward would have been available, Frank Vogel could have played small ball. Although he still can apply the same, the Lakers have to give up a lot defensively to do so. A two-way forward like Ariza is necessary for the Lakers to be defensively sound and in the first two games, that clearly hasn’t been the case.

Despite these injuries, the team has a number of highly capable players to win a basketball game. Do you think the Lakers will finally win their first game against the Grizzlies? Let us know in the comments section down below.

Watch This Story: Steph Curry’s Failed Dunk, LeBron James’ Evergreen Jump Shots, and Other Top Highlights From Warriors’ Opening Night Win vs Lakers