After a rough stretch that saw them drop nine of 12 games, the Los Angeles Lakers are starting to show signs of life. Winners of four of their last five and sitting at 3-1 on their eight-game Grammy road trip, the Lakers might finally be finding their rhythm-and not a moment too soon.
Momentum is a fragile thing in the NBA, but right now, the Lakers are riding a wave they haven’t felt in weeks. The team looks more connected on both ends of the floor, and while it’s still early to say they’ve fully turned the corner, the energy and execution have noticeably improved.
That progress will be put to the test on Wednesday when they head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers, who come in with a 28-20 record. Cleveland hasn’t quite lived up to preseason expectations, but don’t let that fool you-they’ve still got firepower, and it starts with Donovan Mitchell.
The All-Star guard is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, and when he’s in rhythm, he’s capable of taking over a game in a hurry. For a Lakers defense that has tightened up recently, Mitchell will be a true measuring stick.
As for the Lakers’ rotation, they’ll once again be without guard Austin Reaves, who remains sidelined with a gastrocnemius strain. Reaves has been out since Christmas Day, and while there was optimism he might return during this road trip, he won’t suit up in Cleveland. Rookie forward Adou Thiero is also out.
Head coach JJ Redick mentioned last week that Reaves is expected to return at some point before the trip wraps up next Tuesday in Brooklyn. Since Reaves went down, the Lakers have managed a 9-7 record-solid, but not spectacular. His return would provide a boost, especially with his ability to create off the dribble and his chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For now, though, the Lakers will look to keep building on their recent success. Wednesday’s matchup in Cleveland is more than just another road game-it’s a chance to show that this recent surge is more than a blip. If they can keep the ball moving, defend at a high level, and contain Mitchell, they’ll have a real shot to keep this thing rolling.