Lakers' Role Players Accepting Challenge When Stars Sit Out Due to Injury
Anytime the Los Angeles Lakers have taken the court this season, it's a feeling of uncertainty. This isn't due to the talent on the team, but rather inconsistent play throughout the season.
On any given night, the Lakers can look like one of the best teams in the NBA, but they also have been prone to lackluster performances as well. It's hurt them in the standings, despite relatively healthy seasons from stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Both players have missed some games here and there, but for the most part, they've been on the floor. However, whenever they are forced to sit out, the other role players have accepted the challenge in front of them to step up when needed.
Forward Taurean Price spoke about this, saying that the team knows they can be dangerous. He also mentioned the confidence that grows in players whenever they are forced to hold the mantle without the stars.
“We know we can be dangerous,” Prince said. “And having them not play, it’s a chance to build confidence and find a rhythm. And it only helps us when all those guys are on the floor.”
Los Angeles has taken down the league-leading Boston Celtics on the road without both stars and the Milwaukee Bucks twice without James. It's a testament to the entire organization and how the front office built this team last summer.
The Lakers were built on strong depth, so they could withstand any missed time from their star players. While it's been a weird season, Los Angeles has started to play better of late.
They are currently riding a five-game winning streak entering into Friday, giving them one of the more productive runs throughout the year. With the postseason coming down the line soon, the Lakers are hoping that the confidence within the role players can bleed over when the lights are brightest.
Los Angeles went on a surprising deep playoff run last season, despite entering the playoffs as the 7th seed out West. The team feels that they can do it again, but this time, get over the hump to reach their ultimate goal of another NBA title.
