In their first game since LA Lakers superstar, LeBron James screamed in agony on the Staples center court after a right ankle injury, the hole in the lineup of the Los Angeles Lakers against Phoenix Suns on Sunday is too big not to be noticed, especially that they are the defending champion of the league.

The Lakers Minus Two Star Players

The Los Angeles Lakers started their 111-94 loss at Phoenix with Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wesley Matthews, Markieff Morris, and Kyle Kuzma. While James sat on the bench of the Lakers in all black, the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and a walking boot on his right foot, his team totally missed his on-court presence as they lost their second straight game.

According to Los Angeles Times, the LA Lakers are now challenged in not losing too much ground until their lineup will be complete, especially in a crowded Western Conference. The goal has been more demanding, especially that not only James but also Anthony Davis was out on the roster. Even the Lakers head coach confirmed that the return of his stars was indefinite.

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Moreover, one Western Conference scout shared that the only dates that truly matter to the Lakers are May 29 and the two months that follow, which is the schedule of the NBA playoffs and Finals as it will be the ultimate measure of their season's success. The scout also added that at the end of the day, both James and Davis need to be healthy, especially before entering the playoffs, regardless of the team's seeding in the Western Conference.

However, it is still tough for the Lakers since the absence of their stars will give them a 21-game stretch wherein the majority of their remaining opponents are currently in the top eight spots in their respective conferences. Also, a possible catch at the trade deadline or via the buyout may change things for the purple and gold squad,  the USA Today reported.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers will be leaning to their remaining players like Morris, who admitted that he was drained before the All-Star break. Morris also shared that he feels like last season has not yet ended.

Still Optimistic

Despite the challenges faced by the team, Vogel remained optimistic and stated that the two seasons blended together with the short offseason, but they did draw confidence from the adversity that they have experienced throughout last year, which boosted their playoff run. The Lakers head coach also added that the lesson of staying together will benefit the team comes playoff time.

The Los Angeles Lakers are now sitting in the Western Conference with six games ahead of the seventh placer in the Western Conference. The number is important for every team especially for the shorthanded LA Lakers as the top7-10 teams in each conference will take part in a play-in tournament. Also, the current heavy load carried by the remaining players is another concern as it might also put them probably in the playoffs if they will, unfortunately, injure themselves, ESPN reported.

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