The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They are riding a modest two-game winning streak but have won five out of their last six games. Since dropping two games under the .500 mark on January 13th, the team has gone 10-5.
Righting the ship heading into the NBA All-Star break was a big deal for the Lakers. They opted to stay pay ahead of the deadline, making their move on the buyout market, signing veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie.
Dinwiddie joins a group that ownership and the front office believe has room for internal development for the rest of the season. As long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy, this team will have a chance to compete.
Part of the plan to keep their stars healthy, especially James, is finding ways for him to periodically rest. James has played in 49 out of 55 games thus far this season, but will not be suiting up for their final game ahead of the NBA All-Star Break.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers announced that James will miss Wednesday night’s game against the Utah Jazz, which is the second night of a back-to-back. James played in the team’s 125-114 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night but is dealing with some soreness on the outside of his left ankle.
With James out of the lineup on Wednesday, head coach Darvin Ham could turn to veteran Taurean Prince to step back into the starting lineup. He also mentioned the possibility of playing Dinwiddie alongside D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, giving him another possible option for the starting lineup.
It sounds as if this is strictly a rest day for James, as his availability for the All-Star Game festivities isn’t considered to be in danger. He is set to make a record 20th appearance in the game, as he will be leading the Eastern Conference team against their Western Conference counterparts.
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