The Lakers will play a very important game for them against the Mavericks later today as they try to remain in the play-in zone. LeBron James, who is listed as doubtful for this game, could be out for Los Angeles.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was reminded of the last week’s game against the 76ers with no James where the Lakers managed to put up a good fight, despite the loss. He says that even if the four-time NBA champion will be out against the Mavs, the team will still fight.
“We fought like hell in that game [against the 76ers] and we’re gonna fight like hell tomorrow night [against the Mavericks],” Vogel said ahead of the Dallas game. “The competitive spirit was really high, the defense in that game had too many breakdowns down the stretch and the last couple of games, even the Cleveland game where we scored the ball offensively.
“The avenue for this team to turn the corner and to finish strong is gonna come on the defensive end. And it wasn’t there for the full 48 [minutes] last night [against the Pelicans] either. Until that switches, until we get the full commitment that’s necessary, we’re not gonna turn this around.
“We’re going to continue to coach them hard and challenge them game plan, scheme up and do whatever we got to do to get that defense where it needs to be to start putting some wins together.”
