3 Lakers Who Must Step Up With LeBron James Injured

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

The Los Angeles Lakers had another head-scratching performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the NBA’s Thursday night slate. For the second time in a week, they blew a huge lead, crumbled down the stretch, and ultimately lost to the Thunder.

The one common denominator in the games was that the Lakers were without superstar, LeBron James. James was battling ankle soreness in the first matchup and this time around he has an abdominal strain.

The abdominal strain will keep James sidelined for at least a week, as the medical team is going to take their time with the injury. It is still early in the season, so James is not going to push things more than they need to be.

At 36-years old, though, any injury that James suffers will be a cause for concern. Head coach Frank Vogel is hopeful they will get him back sooner than later.

“Anytime LeBron’s out and he’s going to miss some time there’s obviously concern,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said before Thursday’s game. “Hopefully this is something that’s minimal, and hopefully he’ll be back soon.”

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Roster Changes For Los Angeles Lakers To Strongly Consider

James’s injury occurred in the team’s victory over the Houston Rockets earlier in the week. He is unsure of what caused the injury but started feeling it in the fourth quarter. He was able to finish the game out, but will now take some time to heal up.

Without him in the lineup, the Lakers are going to be relying on the duo of Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook to do the heavy lifting. Carmelo Anthony could also see even more opportunities.

Those are the three players the team will rely on the most, but they will need other players to raise their level of play as well. Here are three more Los Angeles Lakers who must step up with LeBron James injured.

Heat Defeat Cavs 121-84 Using Dominant Bench Play

The Miami Heat delivered an exceptional performance during Sunday’s NBA action, cruising to a 121-84 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers and breaking their three-game home

76ers Achieve 121-107 Victory Over Harden’s Clippers

The Philadelphia 76ers clinched a 121-107 victory against James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers during Sunday’s NBA action. Tobias Harris scored 24 points, and

Williamson’s 36 Points Lead Pelicans to 114-101 Victory vs. Pistons

In a display of sheer dominance, Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans to a convincing 114-101 victory over a short-handed Detroit Pistons team during