On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers begin a challenging four-game road trip with a contest against the young and hungry Cleveland Cavaliers.
It will be a difficult game for the Purple and Gold, as they will have to deal with one of the best backcourts in the league that consists of the dangerous Donovan Mitchell and the ultra-skilled and shifty Darius Garland. The Cavs also boast a long, tall and defensive-minded front line with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley patroling the paint.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles will have to go to battle short-handed. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Gabe Vincent, arguably its two best perimeter defenders, are still out. Rui Hachimura, who provides instant offense off the bench, will miss at least a week.
On top of that, forward Cam Reddish, who has flourished since moving into the starting lineup about two weeks ago, is still out due to groin soreness.
Cam Reddish has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game.
The Lakers are significantly shorthanded against a big Cavs team, also missing Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 25, 2023
The Lakers will miss Reddish’s ability to get deflections and steals, as well as his newfound 3-point marksmanship.
Without him, second-year man Max Christie will likely start, and they will need a strong game from him on both ends of the floor.
