The Los Angeles Lakers are a much different team now than they were before the trade deadline. In total, the Lakers made four trades (counting the Rui Hachimura deal) to completely reinvent the roster. Los Angeles got younger and more talented and did not pay a big price to do so.
That new-look team was not fully put together for the Lakers’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday but the short-handed team still battled. Lakers fans finally get to see the new-look team play together on Saturday with D’Angelo Russell and co. expected to play.
However, it still might not be the full version of the Lakers, as they are going to be without a very key player for Saturday’s matchup: LeBron James.
LeBron James injury status vs Warriors:
LeBron James did not play on Thursday as he was rested an ankle injury that has lingered this season. It seemed like it would just be a one-game absence for LeBron, who seemingly would return on Saturday against Golden State.
That does not appear to be the case though. James has been ruled out of Saturday’s contest against the Warriors with the same ankle injury. The injury is bad enough for LeBron to get screening done on it, but the results came back positively.
Full Lakers injury report vs Warriors:
Anthony Davis has been added to the injury report as the team is still being cautious with the foot injury that sidelined him for over a month. However, Davis is listed as probable and is slated to play barring any setbacks.
New Laker Davon Reed is listed as questionable and Lakers fans will still have to wait to see Mo Bamba. Bamba was suspended for his altercation with Austin Rivers and is still serving said suspension.
Full Warriors injury report vs Lakers:
Stephen Curry injured his leg last week and will be out at least through the All-Star Break. Fellow former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala has also been ruled out with a hip injury.
Newest trade acquisition Gary Payton II is listed as out as he failed a physical that could derail the four-team trade he was involved in.
3 contenders the Lakers are now better than after the deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers improved at the trade deadline and are now a better basketball team than these three championship contenders.