The Los Angeles Lakers have recently encountered a decline in form as they face injury issues, leading to a disappointing loss against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. With key players like LeBron James sidelined, the team struggled defensively and failed to secure rebounds. Despite Doncic's impressive performance, the Lakers seemed unable to keep pace and lost 126-106. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for both paint protection and closing out on shooters, though the team fell short in both areas, showcasing their current hardships and uncertainty about player availability moving forward.
When they were playing their best basketball in February, the Lakers were fueled by the energizing power of belief, the knowledge that they could win on any night.
It has to be another night where we have to do both. We have to protect the paint and we have to close out and guard their lasers.
LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes were no longer with the Lakers on this road trip, meaning none of them will be available Friday night in Denver.
Doncic's 45 points came from the wild array of skills he possesses - deep threes, drives where he pulled the emergency brake for a pull-up jumper and trips to the line.
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