USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second half against the Phoenix Suns during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second half against the Phoenix Suns during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers are undoubtedly the favorites to win the WC this season. They’re the perfect win-now squad that has the potential to make a regular season record if they stay tight as a healthy roster. However, the latest update for the Lake Show raises some questions on this possibility.
The LA-based franchise has one of the best preseason games against the top teams. This would mean a great warmup ahead of a very crucial season. But it looks like the opening game will have their B-Team in charge.
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Lakers with no LeBron James and many others
A recent update from the Los Angeles Lakers’ beat reporter Mike Trudell has many of their players sitting out in the opening game. While guard-forward Trevor Ariza has an ankle injury, the other stars are missing the game, probably as a strategy.
So the Lakers will face the Brooklyn Nets on October 3, 2021, at 3:30 PM ET at Staples Center. But even at their home game practice, the fans won’t get to see the trio of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony.
Westbrook, LeBron, Ariza and Carmelo won’t play in the preseason opener, said Vogel. Outside of Ariza’s sore ankle, no injuries there, just managing the preseason schedule.
Davis will likely play in the first quarter only.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 1, 2021
Now, the Nets are already uncertain about whether or not Kyrie Irving would be able to show up. So this would mean that the second quarter onwards, the game will not have too many stars and hence a loss for the fans.
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What can be the reason behind this?
Well, only yesterday LeBron James revealed how the mini-camp has taken a toll on his voice. He stated, “My voice is deteriorating as the minutes go on.” This, because of all the yelling and taking the lead that he did this last week. So chances are that coach Frank Vogel wants him to take enough rest before showing up.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), forward LeBron James (23) and coach Frank Vogel react in the second half during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Plus, everyone knows how the Lakers are an old squad full of veterans closing their retirement. So they’d have to be very strategic to safeguard against injuries. They can’t risk the regular season because of these scrimmages. However, they can’t dwell too much on this load management or the rankings can take a hit.
This, because their next preseason games are against the GSW and the Suns, against whom they’ll start the regular season. So they’d want to play them before it all begins.
As a positive, the game against the Nets will put the Lakers bench on test. So are you still excited for the game? Help us know in the comments below.
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