LeBron James’ Injury Could Solve Los Angeles Lakers’ Biggest Worry
The Los Angeles Lakers will open their season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors in a marquee matchup. However, with LeBron James ruled out for the next three to four weeks, the most famous player in the NBA won’t suit up.
Between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers should be able to find the points James would usually produce elsewhere. The Lakers were already unsure about their starting lineup, and James’ absence brings up even more questions.
It’s safe to assume that Rui Hachimura will join Doncic, Reaves, and Deandre Ayton in the starting five. Will James’ replacement be a small guard like Marcus Smart or Gabe Vincent? Or will the Lakers prioritize spacing, tossing Jake LaRavia out there?
Of course, Los Angeles could use James’ injury to establish some trade value.
James’ Injury Could Improve Dalton Knecht’s Value
The Lakers have long been open about their willingness to trade Dalton Knecht. In fact, they did trade him last season before Mark Williams failed a physical, and the deal was revoked.
After a fairly disappointing rookie season and a horrid summer league, Knecht’s trade value has never been lower. If James is healthy, it’s reasonable to assume that Knecht would languish on the bench as the Lakers chase a title.
With James out, the Lakers suddenly have minutes to fill. Both Reaves and Doncic are capable of taking over James’ playmaking duties, so Vincent will likely remain with the second unit.
If the Lakers want to bolster their defense, Smart is the correct choice. However, if they want a reliable shooter to space the floor, Knecht went 37.6% from deep last season.
If Knecht sees an early minutes increase to kick off the season, he could raise his trade value to an all-time high, allowing the Lakers to hold onto their limited draft capital in a possible midseason deal for a win-now player.
Knecht Isn’t The Only Option to Replace James
There aren’t a lot of players in the NBA who can replicate James’ all-around production. With about 30 minutes per game vanished to open the season, the Lakers should give Knecht some chances, but he won’t be the only one to step up into a big role.
Building up Knecht’s trade value is a massive priority for Los Angeles, but so is seeing exactly how good Bronny James could be. Who better to replace James in the lineup than his own flesh and blood?
“LeBron James getting hurt could open the door for another LeBron James to play,” wrote CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn on October 9th. “Bronny is obviously a good deal smaller than his father. They play different positions. But the Lakers are relatively fluid positionally.”
Bronny is a high-level defender who brings a splash of athleticism to the lineup that Smart doesn’t quite have. While Smart is the safe option for sure, there will be more than enough minutes to go around.
Raiders DJ Glaze Set to Prove His Worth in High-Stakes Showdown!
The Las Vegas Raiders knew there would be growing pains when they drafted right tackle DJ Glaze in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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With the stakes higher than ever, Raiders’ key starter DJ Glaze is gearing up for a breakthrough performance that will not only silence his critics but solidify his place as a game-changing force in the NFL. Coming off a challenging period in his career, Glaze has made it clear—he is ready to step up when it matters most.
The Raiders are facing one of their toughest matchups this season, with a formidable opponent on the horizon. But Glaze is unfazed. His determination to show that he is more than capable of leading the charge has been palpable throughout the week of practice. With every step, every drill, Glaze has been driven by one singular goal: redemption.
“I’ve heard the whispers, the doubts,” Glaze said, speaking with unwavering confidence. “But I’m not just here to fill a spot. I’m here to make an impact. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m ready to show everyone. This game is my opportunity to prove I belong at the top.”
As the team prepares for this high-stakes showdown, the pressure is mounting. But if anyone can rise to the occasion, it’s DJ Glaze. His leadership on the field and his ability to read the game have been invaluable for the Raiders, and with this next game, he’s determined to put his skills on full display.
There’s no shortage of hype surrounding Glaze’s comeback. Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on the young star as he faces off against a squad that’s known for its elite defense and high-powered offense. It’s a test of will and skill, and Glaze is more than ready to take on the challenge head-on.
While many would crumble under the pressure of such a high-profile matchup, Glaze’s mindset remains laser-focused. “I’ve been through a lot, but this is what it’s all about. I’m not just playing for myself, but for my team and the fans who believe in me. I’ll show them why I’m a challenge they can’t ignore,” he said with intensity.
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Glaze as he steps onto the field, and he knows that this is his moment to shine. With the stakes at their highest, will DJ Glaze’s determination be enough to lead the Raiders to victory? One thing is for sure—he’s not backing down.
As game day approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Glaze can live up to his bold claim. His words have set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying performance, and the whole NFL is watching.
Stay tuned as DJ Glaze looks to prove his doubters wrong and stake his claim as one of the league’s most formidable players.
