In the Los Angeles Lakers' 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics, LeBron James exited the game with a groin injury, and it has been reported he will miss at least one or two weeks. Los Angeles has a stretch that requires them to play six games in eight days, with four games will be against the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.
Since arriving in L.A., Luka Doncic has yet to play a game without James. So far, he's averaging 24.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists on .411/.324/.747 shooting splits. Despite his shooting struggles, he's helped James has elevated his scoring, leading the Lakers to being one of the best teams in the NBA.
Now that James is out, Doncic must step up. The Lakers brought him in to be the future for when James inevitably retires. The upcoming stretch will be his first real test.
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What record should Lakers fans be happy with during this stretch?
Currently with the fourth best record in the league, this upcoming stretch will tell a lot of fans about the Lakers shot of winning a title. Before their loss to the Celtics, they had gone 20-5 in their last 25 games and lost to two teams with a record above .500. With James out, and so many games in a short time, they won't win every game.
They have a game Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets before their tough stretch. With Doncic and Reaves playing, it's a game they must and most likely will win.
On Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14, they play at Milwaukee and at Denver. Both will be hard to deal without the extra size that James provides, along with Rui Hachimura's availability up in the air. Laker fans shouldn't be surprised nor worried if they lose both games but should want to win the game against the Nuggets.
After their back-to-back, they get a day off and play another back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers defense is amazing and matchups well with the Suns. Without the presence of a paint enforcer from Phoenix, the Lakers have the advantage. The Spurs aren't healthy nor have they been good, so the Lakers must win that game.
They get one more day off before playing another back-to-back against the Nuggets and Bucks at home. There is a possibility that James could be available for one if not both games. If not, a split is ideal with a win over Denver being the most desirable, because they'll likely see each other in the playoffs.
A great record during this seven-game stretch should be around 5-2. It should be considered a success if they go 4-3. Their defense has been the best in the NBA and should help them win one or two games. With James out, Doncic has the opportunity to focus on scoring, which will improve the Lakers going forward.
Doncic has been in a weird spot, making sure James and Reaves get their chances, but with the big piece out, he can go on a tear. If that happens, where he gets his full rhythm back, teams will have nightmares trying to prepare for him and James in a playoff series.