The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of a shot in the arm. After an inspiring comeback win in overtime on Wednesday over the Los Angeles Clippers, they came out soft on Saturday and got massively out-hustled in a 120-101 loss to the Orlando Magic.
One problem they have had is a lack of good health. Four of their rotation players have been out lately: forwards Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Taurean Prince, as well as guard Gabe Vincent.
While Lakers head coach Darvin Ham admitted that Vanderbilt’s return will come “later rather than sooner,” Prince is slated to return to the lineup on Monday when they take on the Miami Heat.
Unfortunately, Hachimura and Vincent will still be out, and backup center Jaxson Hayes is questionable with a sprained ankle.
Taurean Prince is not on the #Lakers injury report so will return tomorrow against the Heat.
Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes is questionable and Rui Hachimura is still out. pic.twitter.com/u3cvR0ZhWM
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) November 5, 2023
It’s better to have injuries this early in the season than later on, but the injuries are starting to pile up for L.A., and the resulting lack of depth could have a ripple effect. LeBron James, whose playing time was supposed to be trimmed this season, is already averaging 35.7 minutes a game partly due to the team’s lack of depth.
