The NBA has not been kind to the Lakers since LeBron James and his teammates ended 2023 on a “back-to-back” away, to Minneapolis then New Orleans. You only need to take a look at a map of the United States to understand that it is complicated to propose a more distant “back-to-back”, and unsurprisingly, the winners of the NBA tournament did not weigh heavily against the Pelicans.
Especially since they lost Rui Hachimura along the way… But the good news is that this obstacle course that began in November with this epic victory in Las Vegas is over! In January, the Lakers will play 11 of their next 12 matches in Los Angeles!
“So far we are a very good team at home and now we have to take advantage of that,” warns Anthony Davis. “We sleep in our own beds, we don't have to worry about traveling. We rely on our own resources. We'll be able to train and let the guys get back on track. This is why it will be important for us to turn this series of home matches into a great series. We must take advantage of it. »
Don't fall too late…
While the Lakers have just played 14 of their last 19 away games, some are on their knees. Darvin Ham continues to tinker, and Hachimura's injury will force him to once again modify his starting five.
“Since the NBA tournament, we have had difficulties,” Reaves repeats. “Health, injuries, illness… We were unlucky. But in the end, it's the same for everyone. We need to look in the mirror and see what we can do to improve and what I can do to improve. We just have to get better.”
Same feeling with LeBron James, who played both games despite having flu symptoms.
“We have to find solutions and improve, that’s for sure. We're not a team that likes to fall behind, and we've been in that position a lot this year.” he recalls. “Last night's theft didn't help, obviously.” We didn't arrive at the hotel until 3:45am. So it was a tough day trying to re-energize and get ready for the game. »
