LeBron Out, and Lakers Offense Continues to Sputter, Lose 97-87 to Timberwolves

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Give the Lakers credit. They played hard Friday in Minnesota, and particularly in the second half, they played defense.

But the trend of horrible offense, interrupted by a couple competent performances, continued as the purple and gold fell 97-87, their eighth loss in 11 games. The Lakers turned the ball over 11 times in the first quarter alone, en route to 21 for the game. They shot 38% from the field, 29% from 3-point range, and were only 11-17 from the free throw line.

It was as inept a showing as you'll find. Only one starter was over 50% from the floor (Max Christie, at 5-9... and he compensated for that by turning the ball over four times).

Austin Reaves was very out of rhythm after missing his last five games. D'Angelo Russell was 2-10 from the floor, and missed six of seven 3's. The list goes on.

On a night where LeBron James wasn't with the team—and no, JJ Redick doesn't know when he'll be back—the Lakers simply can't absorb this much negative production on that side of the floor and expect to win.

It doesn't get any easier Sunday, with a hot Memphis team coming to the Crypt. And at some point, if his absence continues folks will need an update on James and why he's not with the team. Is it the foot? Burnout? And how long will he be away?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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