The NBA play-in event is lower than two weeks away, and for the primary time since Oct. 23, the Lakers aren’t within the prime 10 within the West.
Russell Westbrook hinted that the stress is piling on L.A. throughout a tense change with reporter Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Occasions following Tuesday’s 128-110 loss to the Mavericks, which put the Lakers within the 11 spot within the West.
When the reporter requested what modifications the Lakers may make within the ultimate stretch of the common season — particularly with LeBron James sidelined with a left ankle damage — Westbrook mentioned he didn’t have the reply. Then, he acquired up out of his seat and commenced to argue with Turner.
“I’m just one individual, champ. It’s a staff recreation,” he mentioned. “So I don’t have a solution. You may give me your reply.”
After issues appeared to get heated between Westbrook and Turner, the previous league MVP deescalated the scenario by shaking reporter’s hand. He then walked out of the room.
The Lakers have been with out James in Tuesday’s loss, after the 37-year-old damage his ankle within the first half of Sunday’s 116-108 loss to New Orleans. He landed awkwardly on the foot of Pelicans ahead Jaxson Hayes, and went down clutching his left ankle in ache — however remained within the recreation.
After the sport, James referred to as the damage “fairly nasty” and mentioned it felt “horrible.” He started receiving therapy on the enviornment that evening, and exited together with his ankle wrapped whereas strolling with a limp.
James, who's averaging 30.1 factors, 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season, is the Lakers’ main scorer. Not solely is his damage essential for manufacturing on the ground, however Lakers coach Frank Vogel mentioned it’s a lot deeper than that.
On Tuesday, Vogel described James’ damage as “the newest and possibly greatest blow to our psyche.”
The 31-44 Lakers at the moment sit in eleventh spot within the Western Convention — outdoors of the ultimate spot within the play-in event, which begins April 12 and concludes April 15.
L.A. is now tied with the Spurs, who personal a tiebreaker over the Lakers, with seven video games remaining for each groups.
James is reportedly anticipated to take a seat out Thursday in Salt Lake Metropolis in opposition to the Jazz. In the meantime, Yahoo Sports activities’ Chris Haynes experiences Anthony Davis (foot) may return Friday in opposition to the Pelicans.
Post a Comment