Alright, hoop heads, let’s dive into the latest Lakers drama that’s got everyone buzzing!
LeBron’s MIA Moment
So, the Lakers had a little breather this week, but guess who was missing in action? Yep, LeBron. The King took some personal time away from the squad, and his absence was definitely noticed. Coach JJ Redick kept it real, saying LeBron’s out for personal reasons and, honestly, who can blame him? The dudeโs been carrying teams for years. He even missed the game against Portland ’cause of a sore foot, which, by the way, was the first game he sat out all season. I think it’s about time he took a chill pill.
Austin Reaves: Back in Action-ish
On a brighter note, Austin Reaves is back on the court… sort of. After nursing a left pelvic injury that had him sidelined for five games, he finally joined the team for practice. JJ Redick mentioned, โI wouldnโt call Austin a full participant,โ but hey, he’s getting there. The guy skipped one drill that was too intense, but he was all in for the 5-on-5 action. It’s like when youโre almost ready to play pick-up again after a sprain, but you still avoid the full-court press.
Austin Reaves returned to practice on Wednesday
โ LeBron Wire (@LeBron_Wire)
Team Vibes Without the King
Now, how’s the team holding up without their leader? Christian Koloko, the Lakers’ backup center, says theyโre not sweating it. โWe know he already knows everything,โ Koloko shared. Itโs like when your boss goes on vacation, and you’re just trying to keep things running smoothly till theyโre back. The Lakers are focused on stepping up their game so that when LeBron returns, heโll see theyโve been grinding.
Managing the King’s Workload
JJ Redick and the teamโs athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, are all about keeping LeBron fresh. The manโs putting up 23 points, 9.1 assists, and 8 boards a game, shooting nearly 50%. But even the greats need a breather. โHeโs asked for a sub a couple times because heโs gassed,โ Redick said. It’s like watching your favorite player at the park take a quick water break before dropping another 30. Theyโre being smart about it, making sure the cumulative effect of all those minutes doesnโt catch up with him too hard.
So, whatโs next for the Lakers? Will LeBron be back to face the Timberwolves? Or is he still chilling in Santa Barbara, sipping on something cold? Only time will tell. But here’s a thought: Could this mini-break actually help the Lakers find their groove without relying on LeBron every single night?
