Riddled with absences for a few days, the Lakers have paid the price on the floors, with 6 defeats in their last 7 games. LeBron James & Co. can nevertheless have a smile, since 3 important members of the roster could make their return this Friday!
While his team chained the setbacks, and that his individual cards did not change anything, LeBron James took this data as an excuse, going so far as to use a big lie. Doormat of the league in recent days, the Lakers could however deplore a large number of absences. A major drawback, but one that most of their opponents also had to contend with during the period.
Traveling to Memphis on Wednesday, the Angelinos could have taken advantage of the multiple unavailability on the Grizzlies side, for example. The latter welcomed them indeed without Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, Jarrett Culver and John Konchar, to name only the players subject to the Covid protocol. However, it was the locals who left the FedEx Forum with the victory, in the wake of an unleashed Ja Morant this season against LA
Ariza, Bazemore and Reaves on return to Lakers
In order not to end the year 2021 on a false note, the Angelinos will fortunately have a great opportunity to make up for it this Friday. Opposed to the Blazers also in crisis, they will have the opportunity to relaunch a positive series on their own ground. They could also benefit from a first major comeback on this occasion, in the person of Trevor Ariza!
The Lakers say that Trevor Ariza has cleared the health and safety protocols. He is questionable for tomorrow.
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 30, 2021
The Lakers say Trevor Ariza has just been released from the Covid protocol. It is questionable for Friday’s game.
It will therefore be necessary to wait until the last minutes before the jump ball to know if Ariza has a sufficiently optimal form to take part in the match against Portland. Two of his teammates should for their part undoubtedly make their recovery on this meeting, namely Austin Reaves and Kent Bazemore!
Also looks like Reaves and Bazemore, who were cleared of protocols yesterday, have no injury designation and are good to return to action.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) December 30, 2021
It also looks like (Austin) Reaves and (Kent) Bazemore, who left protocol on Wednesday, are uninjured and may make their comeback.
Forced to use a reduced rotation in recent days, the Lakers will now have to make choices with the coming returns of Trevor Ariza, Austin Reaves and Kent Bazemore. It’s up to David Fizdale to make the right decisions!
