Tag Archives: western conference standings

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Luka Doncic Shares True Feelings on LeBron James’ Imminent Comeback After Jason Whitlock’s Explosive Accusation

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Luka Doncic led the LA Lakers to a 121-111 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Despite LeBron James missing his 11th straight game, the Purple and Gold continued their strong run, improving their record to 8-3. Much of the Lakers’ success has come courtesy of scintillating performances from Doncic and Austin Reaves while James remains sidelined.

The four-time NBA champion is inching closer to making his highly anticipated comeback. When asked about James’ imminent return, Doncic expressed his excitement and shared his true feelings about having the veteran forward back in the lineup.

“We can’t wait,” Doncic told reporters after Monday’s win. “All of us can’t wait. It’s Bron, so it’s always good to have him back. Hopefully soon.”

Doncic’s honest admission on James’ expected return comes less than a week after veteran analyst Jason Whitlock made an explosive accusation against the Lakers’ point guard. Whitlock recently claimed that Doncic “doesn’t want” James back on the team, a remark that sparked considerable debate.

Meanwhile, LeBron James is scheduled to practice with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, later this week. The four-time league MVP has been cleared for 5-on-5 practice after developing a sciatica injury during training camp. However, James has yet to practice with the Lakers’ main roster and isn’t accompanying the team on their current five-game road trip.

There is no official timeline for James’ return, but optimism is growing that he will rejoin the team this month. The Lakers’ next home game is on November 18, followed by a four-game homestand starting November 25.

### Lakers Fans React to Luka Doncic’s Comments on LeBron James

Social media buzzed soon after Luka Doncic shared his thoughts on LeBron James’ imminent comeback. Lakers fans expressed candid reactions and quickly defended Doncic, slamming critics who have repeatedly accused him of not wanting James back in the lineup.

One fan commented, “[Insert fan quote],” while another added, “[Insert fan quote].” The supportive response online highlights the strong bond between Doncic, James, and the Lakers fanbase.

### Coaching and Team Outlook

In James’ absence, coach JJ Redick has expertly maximized his roster, guiding the Lakers to fourth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings. All eyes will be on how the Purple and Gold’s chemistry pans out once James finally makes his return.

As the Lakers gear up for the remainder of the season, fans remain hopeful that the combination of Doncic, James, and the rest of the squad will bring championship contention back to Los Angeles.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-luka-doncic-shares-true-feelings-lebron-james-imminent-comeback-after-jason-whitlock-s-explosive-accusation

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Lakers’ Austin Reaves won’t play vs. Hawks due to groin injury

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LeBron James is currently dealing with sciatica and has yet to suit up this season. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic has already missed four games due to finger and lower-body injuries. Adding to the Lakers’ woes, Austin Reaves is being ruled out for the third consecutive contest because of a right groin strain, according to NBA correspondent Marc Stein.

Despite these setbacks, the Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) are surging through adversity and climbing toward the top of the Western Conference standings. While it’s still early in the season for fans to get overly excited, there was a time when these key absences would have severely impacted the team’s performance.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has done an excellent job laying down a solid foundation that his players can rely on when challenges arise. Even though a skilled scorer and impactful playmaker like Austin Reaves will be out of action against the Atlanta Hawks (4-4) on Saturday, there is reason to believe the Lakers can still thrive.

The Hawks have their own injury concerns, as All-Star point guard Trae Young is recovering from a sprained MCL. Redick can also depend on Doncic to step up on offense if necessary. However, a healthy Austin Reaves remains integral to the Lakers’ championship hopes.

Reaves, 27, is currently averaging 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting, along with 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Beyond these impressive numbers, he has embraced his increased workload during LeBron James’ absence. If Reaves can maintain this outstanding form throughout the season, the undrafted native of Newark, Arkansas, is poised to sign a significant contract next summer—with a $14.8 million player option at the end of this season.

While Reaves is undoubtedly eager to return to the court, he will trust teammates like Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and the rest of the squad to secure a win in Atlanta.

Tip-off against the Hawks is scheduled for Saturday at approximately 8 p.m. ET.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-austin-reaves-wont-play-vs-hawks-groin-injury

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Lakers’ Underrated $12M Wing Credits Anthony Edwards for “Who’s Number 12” Fame Amid Growing Fan Support

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The wing has gained notoriety in recent games, especially after Anthony Edwards’ “Who’s Number 12” jab on Wednesday. During the game, Edwards jokingly replied, “That’s what I’m asking. I don’t know.”

In a post-game conference on Sunday, the wing credited Edwards for his newfound fame. “I kinda put my hands up like this, and I kinda agree with him like, ‘who’s number 12?’ I kinda played into it a little bit. I find that kind of stuff funny ‘cause I am not well known at this moment, so I’ll just, you know, head down, working hard, that’s all I do. Shoutout Anthony Edwards for allowing that clip to go viral,” he expressed.

His performance helped the Lakers secure a close 116-115 win as they bounced back from a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Since then, the Lakers have won three straight games, climbing to third in the Western Conference standings.

The forward joined the Lakers during free agency after spending the end of last season with the Sacramento Kings. He’s currently averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 60.0% from the field.

He has been one of the Lakers’ most efficient scorers, maintaining a 60.0% field goal percentage and 50.0% accuracy from three-point range. Though his shooting percentage dipped in the following two games, he bounced back with a 90% performance against the Timberwolves, followed by 62.5% and 76.9% showings against the Grizzlies and Heat, respectively.

The forward had another impressive game against the Trail Blazers on Monday, shooting 50% from the field and impressing fans through his consistent shooting display.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/lakers-underrated-12m-wing-credits-anthony-edwards-who-s-number-12-fame-amid-growing-fan-support