This week was a hard one for Los Angeles Lakers fans, as they all watched a neck-and-neck game that eventually resulted in the Brooklyn Nets winning with a 111-108 score. Despite predictions for the game being in the Lakers’ favor, it seems like victory slipped from their fingers, leaving the team and fans to figure out what happened.
One thing that points to this loss was the absence of three of their key players, including Lebron James, who didn’t play due to an injury he got during a previous game. They were also missing a few of their starters like Jaxson Hayes and Dorian Finney-Smith, who were also suffering from injuries.
JJ Redick, the head coach for the team, denies that their loss is attributed to their shortened roster. He claims that they mainly failed in communication and wanted to take shortcuts during the game. There were certain moments during the game that left the Nets uncontested and allowed them to score easy points.
It is admirable to not associate the loss with the lack of players, but the removal of such pivotal teammates would certainly throw a wrench into the team’s dynamic and ability to play into their strengths. Of course, Redick is correct in assuming that a lack of communication played a part in the game, but it’s foolish to think that the team can fully operate with fewer players. Either way, the team will see this as a wake-up call to improve their communication, and hopefully all of them will be there to give it their all next time.
