The Lakers are in a rut. They are 1-4 in their last five games and have been under .500 since LeBron James went down with injury. While they were competitive for a while, the momentum has run out and the team is struggling on the court. The offense has become stagnant, but the defense is still impressive.

There is an obvious reason for the Lakers’ struggles and that is not having LeBron James on the floor. He is the leader of the team in every way of the word. Despite being a small forward, LeBron regularly takes ball distribution and playmaking responsibilities. He led the league in assists last year.  With the two losses to the Dallas Mavericks in three days, LA has to be worried about possibly falling in the standings.

What Went Wrong For the Lakers In Their Two Consecutive Losses To the Dallas Mavericks?

They are 1.5 games ahead of the sixth-placed Mavs and just 2.5 games outside the play-in zone. Along with that, the final leg of the season is crucial for this new look Lakers team with Andre Drummond and Ben McLemore to get into a rhythm. But is that all? Why do the Lakers need LeBron James back as soon as possible?

Lakers: What does LeBron change for this team?

We have already gone over the possibility of falling into the play-in. However, with the return of Anthony Davis, the offensive woes should minimize. AD had a wooden return against the Mavs, showing that his body needs to reacclimatize to playing on the court. But it is Anthony Davis, and having a player like him on the floor is always a plus point.

As we have mentioned, LeBron is everything for this Lakers offense. While Dennis Schroder has alleviated some of the playmaking responsibilities LeBron carried through last season, he still is the man that orchestrated the team on the floor. The play style on the court is a lot more fluid with LBJ on the floor.

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

“You Can’t Get Mad”: NBA Vet Addresses the Caitlin Clark vs A’ja Wilson Signature Shoe Debate

April 21, 2024 03:00 PM EDT

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

Is Kawhi Leonard Playing Tonight? Clippers vs Mavs Injury Report Drops Ahead of NBA Playoff Game 2

April 23, 2024 11:59 AM EDT

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

Follow Us

The one aspect with which the Lakers can relax on now having LeBron is defense, as they have the highest defensive rating in the league (106.3) through LeBron’s absence. But they need his veteran presence and sensational play to close the season out strong and head into the playoffs looking like the force they were in the 2020 bubble. That can’t happen without LeBron James on the floor.