The Los Angeles Lakers had their first loss of the season on Monday when they fell short against the Phoenix Suns, 109-105. They will look to improve their record to 4-1 when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday as they continue an early five-game road trip.
Starting guard Austin Reaves has been playing very well to start the year. In four games, he's averaging 19.3 points, which is third on the team, while shooting 54.7% from the field and 48% from 3-point range. He's also contributing 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals a game.
However, he and fellow starting guard D'Angelo Russell may not be able to play on Wednesday.
Lakers Injury Report
The Lakers could be in a bit of trouble if Russell is unable to play. If he's out, it would put a lot more pressure on LeBron James to handle the ball and facilitate more often. James is off to a slow start, as he's averaging 20.0 points a game and shooting just 44.6% from the field, and he shot an ugly 3-of-14 on Monday.
If Reaves is unable to play, perhaps Christie will start, and it could be an opportunity for him to show how much he has improved in his third NBA season.
The Lakers' injury report is long, with nine players on it heading into Wednesday's game in Cleveland. This is the first time on the injury report for both Russell and Reaves, although it looks like the latter should be good to go. Russell’s status will be worth monitoring up to tipoff and if he is unable to go, guys like Gabe Vincent, Max Christie and Dalton Knecht should see an increase in minutes against a tough Cavaliers team that has begun the season 1-0.
Impact of Injuries on the Lakers
The Lakers will need all hands on deck against the Cavs on Wednesday. Cleveland is one of only three unbeaten teams remaining in the NBA. It also would be an early failure of the challenge issued by Anthony Davis to not lose consecutive games.
The Lakers have ruled out Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Koloko, Maxwell Lewis, Quincy Olivari, Armel Traore, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood. The Lakers enter the matchup with a 3-1 record in their first four games. After starting the season 3-0, the Lakers most recently lost to Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns by a score of 109-105.
Looking Ahead
Despite the injuries, the Lakers are optimistic about their chances for Wednesday's game. They have a strong roster, and they are confident that they can overcome any challenges that come their way. If all three starters play, it’ll bring the Lakers back to the same players JJ Redick has grown accustomed to using and give the Lakers the best chance at a victory on the road agaisnt the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers will resume action on Friday evening when they visit RJ Barrett and the Toronto Raptors in Canada. Following the Cavs, they will play their next game on Friday evening when they visit the Toronto Raptors in Canada. Following the Lakers, the Cavs will remain at home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday evening in Ohio.
