The Lakers are finally wrapping up their annual Grammy road trip, and it’s been a mixed bag. After falling to the Knicks 112-100 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, they’ll close out the eight-game swing Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets. A win would give them a 5-3 record on the trip - not spectacular, but solid enough given the grind of the schedule and the inconsistency that’s defined their season.
And that inconsistency is the real story here. The Lakers just can’t seem to find a rhythm.
They’re sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference at 29-19, locked in a virtual tie with the Suns for seventh. That’s not exactly where most expected them to be this deep into the season.
Over their last 29 games, they’ve dropped 15 - a stretch that’s made it tough to build any real momentum.
Injuries haven’t helped. Austin Reaves, who hasn’t played since Christmas due to a gastrocnemius strain, is inching closer to a return and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s matchup in Brooklyn.
His absence has been a major blow - before the injury, Reaves was putting together a breakout season, averaging 26.6 points and 6.3 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from deep. He was playing like a guy who belonged in the All-Star conversation.
But when the reserves were announced on Sunday, Reaves didn’t make the cut - a tough break for a player who looked poised to earn that recognition before the injury derailed his campaign.
Bronny James is also listed as questionable for Tuesday, while rookie forward Adou Thiero remains out with a sprained MCL. The Lakers have had to lean heavily on their depth throughout this trip, and while there have been flashes - some strong individual performances, a few gritty wins - the lack of continuity has made it hard to gauge just how dangerous this team can be when fully healthy.
They’ll head back to L.A. after Tuesday’s game to host the 76ers on Thursday, but that day carries more weight than just the return home. The NBA trade deadline hits at 3 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, and with the Lakers hovering in the middle of the Western playoff picture, the front office will have some decisions to make.
This team has shown it can compete - but to make a real run, especially in a loaded West, they’ll need more than flashes. They’ll need health, consistency, and maybe a little help from the trade market.