D’Angelo Russell remarked, “It makes everything easier when you got those two guys leading the back.”
When asked about the team’s sense of urgency over the final 26 games on Wednesday at Lakers practice, Russell responded, “I mean, the leader of our team is LeBron James, got AD following.” “Those guys recently made appearances as All-Stars.” They benefited from that reset. Facilitates our ability to adhere to them… Everything is easier when you have those two guys leading the rear.
A well-timed hot streak helped the Lakers finish 30-26 going into the All-Star break. The once-reeling Lakers have won six of their past eight games, spurred on by Russell’s increased aggression, Austin Reaves’ all-around playmaking, Rui Hachimura’s return to the starting lineup, and the dependability of LeBron and AD.
Their mediocre half-court has improved. During that time, they have maintained a low turnover rate overall and rank seventh in the NBA in terms of assists per game. The Boston Celtics (123.1) are the team that the Lakers outperformed at the TD Garden in February even without LeBron and AD. The Lakers’ offensive rating of 122.4 is the only lower than theirs.
The upcoming returns of Max Christie and Cam Reddish (we’ll see on Gabe Vincent) will also give the Lakers hope.
Naturally, the availability of the Lakers’ stars is the most crucial factor in determining their ceiling. Due to ankle treatment, LeBron may miss Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. In 49 games, he has averaged 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in slightly too-high 34.8 minutes per game.
In 52 of 56 games that he has played in, Davis has recorded 24.9 points (55.2% shooting), 12.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists (and counting), 2.5 blocks, and he has given the Lakers their best defense.
In the loss column for the No. 6 seed, the Lakers are four games behind the New Orleans Pelicans. In terms of losses, they are three games behind the Dallas Mavericks (32-23) and Sacramento Kings (31-23). When they faced their first foe right away.
