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The 4 main reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers look horrible

By Ed Schrenzel

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers walks the sideline during the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers walks the sideline during the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Injuries

Coming into the season, the Lakers appeared to have a deep, mostly veteran lineup. It seemed that Vogel would have a tough time determining which players would be part of the rotation and which would sit.

Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn (age 26) and Trevor Ariza (36) were all expected to contribute on the court. THT just returned for his first game but neither of the other two has been able to play even a minute yet. James and Ellington have each played in only six games each so far and LeBron will probably sit out at least several more. Howard, Rondo and Reaves have also been sidelined by injuries and AD missed most of the game against the Trailblazers.

Only four Lakers have been on the floor for all 15 games: Westbrook, Melo, Monk, and Davis (who only played 7 minutes in Portland). By comparison, eight Warriors have played in all the team’s games and three others have missed just one or two. And 10 of Utah’s players have missed just two games or fewer.

It can be expected that there will be a further adjustment period now that THT is back in action and again when Nunn and Ariza also return. THT showed last season that he is a force driving to the hoop. He worked off-season to improve his outside shot and has the physical tools to be an outstanding defender.

Nunn is a scoring point guard who can beat his man off the dribble and also hit the outside jumper. He is not a great defender but he undoubtedly learned something the past two seasons playing for a strong Miami defensive team.

Ariza has lost a step or two to Father Time but remains a capable defender and can still hit the open baseline jumper.

Somewhat surprisingly, three of the younger Lakers (THT, Nunn and Reaves) have suffered injuries. But given that 10 of the 15 Lakers, excluding the two-way players, are north of age 30, we can anticipate additional injuries throughout the season.

What else should fans realistically expect this season? The roster may get tweaked but probably no major changes will be made. But through the experience of playing together, the club should show improvement as the season moves along, especially on defense.

The only NBA team playing exceptionally well right now is Golden State. But their roster doesn’t strike fear into the hearts of other teams, and the race to the title remains wide open.

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If things go right, and the top players avoid serious injuries, the Lakers may peak at the right time of the year, when the playoffs arrive, and will become one of the top contending teams. And the Lakers will reward the patience of its fans.

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