Short-handed Lakers look to take down Bucks
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. LA is short-handed with key players like LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes out.
With that said, let’s dive into how the short-handed Lakers could take down the Bucks.
Starting tonight, the Lakers will play 6 GAMES in the next 8 DAYS 😳 pic.twitter.com/GP5LU6trDX
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 13, 2025
Luka Doncic dominance
LA will need their superstar, Luka Doncic, to step up in the absence of James. In Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, Doncic was held to 22 points on 8-26 shooting.
He did contribute as a rebounder and passer with 12 boards and 12 assists, but his shooting woes made it tough for their offense.
The Lakers will need Doncic to step up against a quality team in the East with the Bucks.
Lakers role players contribute
The Purple and Gold will need their role players to play at a high level in this game. They will need elite defense and energy from their role players.
However, with James and Hachimura out, they will also need more contributions in the scoring department. Dorian Finney-Smith will make his return to the lineup and will be a pivotal defender and three-point shooter in the matchup.
LA will need Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht to pick it up in the scoring column alongside Doncic. Knecht has improved in his last five games, finding confidence after the rescinded trade.
Lakers team rebounding
The Lakers also need to be aggressive, crashing the glass against Milwaukee. With Hayes, James, and Hachimura out, LA is missing a lot of size in the frontcourt.
They will need a full-team effort on the boards. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt is a great rebounder, and guards Doncic and Jordan Goodwin rebound at a high level.
The Lakers will need a complete team effort under head coach JJ Redick to get the win on Thursday. Look for Doncic and Reaves to lead the way for the LakeShow.
