The red hot Lakers who had beaten half of league’s top-10 teams while winning 16 of their last 18 were not only totally dominated last night 139–96 by the Thunder but also may have also lost Luke Doncic for the playoffs.
Suddenly, everything JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers have built and accomplished over the last 5 weeks of joyous championship caliber play may be at risk of because of one untimely loss and devastating injury. No more dreams of a miracle MVP comeback, surprise playoff heroics, Laker championship rings, or a feel-good run-it-back campaign next summer. Without Doncic, this Lakers’ season and roster may be done.
Whether Luka can return for the playoffs or not, the Lakers can give up, lose their hold on the #3 seed, lose to the Nuggets in the first round, and accept their best move is an extreme roster makeover next summer.
Or they can show the championship culture they built this season is real and do what they did all season long, which is figure out how to win despite missing one of their stars by playing hard and trusting next man up.
The Lakers came in last night looking at the Thunder game as a measuring stick to judge their progress. They came out of the game with a beating that has put their character as competitors and future as a team on the line.
But now’s when we find out whether the championship culture JJ Redick and the Lakers built is real or just locker room hype and braggadacio. Even without Luka, these Lakers can still be a dangerous and tough team to beat.
Whether Luka can play or not, the Lakers need to remain confident and not panic, figure out how to fix what went wrong, take care of business in Dallas on Sunday, and get ready for revenge next Tuesday night at home.
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