The Los Angeles Lakers are facing some injury concerns ahead of their fourth game against the Memphis Grizzlies, as Sports Illustrated reports (1). Three key players, out of the five most important ball handlers, have been downgraded on their statuses.
Despite the Lakers’ struggles, especially on the road in Memphis, newcomers like Austin Reaves are determined to make an impact. As Lakers Nation (2) reports, Reaves, who is playing in his first postseason with the Lakers, is receiving “MVP” chants from fans. The team doesn’t want to go back home tied 2-2 against the Grizzlies.
One of the reasons behind the Lakers’ recent success has been the strong performance of D’Angelo Russell. Lakers Nation (3) reports that Darvin Ham, a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching job, praised Russell’s performance in the fourth quarter of the Game 4 win against the Grizzlies.
Another factor behind the Lakers’ recent success has been the dominant play of LeBron James. Lakers Nation (4) reports that even James himself was amazed by his first-ever 20-20 performance in Game 4 against the Grizzlies. Both teams fought hard throughout the night, but the Lakers managed to come out victorious.
However, the Grizzlies have declined to speak to the media following their Game 4 loss. As Lakers Nation (5) reports, Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant were not available for comment after their defeat. Despite this setback, the Grizzlies are still in contention, and the Lakers will need to be careful of “dirty plays” from the Grizzlies, according to Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (6).
The Lakers will have the opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead as they host the Grizzlies for Game 4. As Lakers Nation (7) reports, taking a comfortable lead in the series is the team’s priority. The Lakers will need all their players to be at the top of their game.
Speaking of players, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has been practicing his three-point shot all year and is more confident than ever. As Lakers Nation (8) reports, Hachimura loves playing in big games and moments, and this could be one of them. The Lakers will need all the offensive firepower they can muster.
Lastly, there is some uncertainty surrounding Dillon Brooks and whether he will be available for Game 4. As Sports Illustrated (9) reports, the Memphis player’s status is up in the air, and the self-appointed LeBron James irritant might not be available for Monday’s game.
The Lakers’ journey towards a title is far from over, and they will need to be at their best if they hope to go deep in the playoffs. Their next step is taking a commanding lead against the gritty and determined Memphis Grizzlies, a team that won’t go down without a fight.
