The Los Angeles Lakers faced a daunting task on Wednesday night as they took on the Memphis Grizzlies without two of their key players. All-Star forward Anthony Davis was ruled out due to a lingering left heel contusion, while offseason acquisition Rui Hachimura was sidelined with an undisclosed illness.
According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Davis has been dealing with the heel issue sporadically throughout the summer and into the early part of the season. The decision to sit him out against the Grizzlies was precautionary, with an eye towards long-term health in the marathon of an 82-game campaign.
“From my understanding, it is something that off and on has bothered him a little bit throughout the summer and so far this season,” Redick explained. “We’ll obviously miss him a lot.”
– JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach
The absence of Davis is a major blow for a Lakers squad already struggling on their current road trip. The superstar big man has been putting up MVP-caliber numbers to start the year, leading the league with a whopping 32.6 points per contest. His defensive presence and rebounding prowess are just as invaluable to the team’s success.
Hachimura’s illness only compounds the Lakers’ frontcourt woes. The former lottery pick, acquired from the Washington Wizards last season, has been a solid contributor as a starter. His length, athleticism, and ability to space the floor have helped round out the first unit.
Next Man Up Mentality
With two starters shelved, Coach Redick will have to rely on his bench to step up in their absence. Two-way contract signee Christian Koloko, recently cleared to play after recovering from a blood clot issue that sidelined him since April, figures to see an uptick in minutes.
“The game was almost taken away from me,” an emotional Koloko admitted. “I’m just grateful to be here right now. So, I’m just going to embrace every moment I have on a basketball court now. And you never know what can happen.”
– Christian Koloko, Lakers Center
The undrafted rookie out of Arizona has shown flashes of potential in limited action. His 7-foot frame, 7-foot-5 wingspan, and impressive mobility could help shore up the Lakers’ interior defense against a formidable Grizzlies frontline featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams.
Veterans like Thomas Bryant and Wenyen Gabriel will also be called upon to eat up minutes and provide stability. Both journeymen have proven capable of impacting the game on both ends when given the opportunity.
The Road Ahead
At 1-3 to start their current road swing, the shorthanded Lakers have their work cut out for them against a deep and talented Memphis squad. Ja Morant and company have been one of the early surprises out West, sitting near the top of the standings thanks to their explosive offense and swarming defense.
With or without their two stars, Los Angeles will need a complete team effort and some hot shooting from their perimeter players to keep pace. The potential return of Davis for Friday’s nationally televised clash with Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers looms large, but as Coach Redick stressed, the team is prioritizing health over short term results.
“Hopefully the extra 48 hours of rest will be good,” Redick stated optimistically, looking ahead to the homecoming at Crypto.com Arena.
– JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach
As they navigate this early season turbulence, the Lakers remain confident that their depth and collective experience will carry them through. The marathon continues, with no plans of slowing down until they’re back at full strength and firing on all cylinders.
