Austin Reaves is out for Game 3 of Road Trip

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Austin Reaves for the third straight game as they travel to Floria for the third game of their road trip against the struggling Miami Heat. Both teams lost their last game and the Lakers are looking for answers to get their offense in order.

The Lakers had their worst offensive performance of the year with just 80 points and have completely lost their identity at the beginning of the season. Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for just 22 points and the ball and player movement that was prevalent at the start of the year has disappeared. Additionally, teams have started to focus on rookie Dalton Knecht and not giving him room to shoot, which was to be expected.

What adjustments JJ Redick and the coaching staff make will be important, but the most important thing that needs to be restored is Davis as a dominant force inside. The big man has failed to score 20 points in three of the last four games as defenses swarm him. He was excellent as a passer during this stretch, but in a matchup against fellow All-Star and Olympic teammate Bam Adebayo, the Lakers need him to be the best player on the court.

All eyes are also on James, who has missed all 19 of his 3-point attempts over the last four games. With Austin Reaves out for the last two games and out again this time, LeBron’s workload has increased and he’s looked a little fatigued lately as a result. Regardless, the Lakers simply can’t win with him playing at this level.

The Heat have had their own issues with Jimmy Butler struggling with injuries and Adebayo struggling overall offensively. However, Butler is expected to return to the lineup against LA, as are Kevin Love and Nikpla Jokic.

Additionally, Tyler Herro has developed greatly for the Heat this year, leading the team in scoring while shooting over 40% from long range on 10 attempts per game. Miami is in the top 10 in 3-pointers made per game, so the Lakers can’t afford to get hot from deep. Miami is also one of the best teams at forcing turnovers, which has been a problem for the Lakers all year.

The Lakers have struggled without Reaves, but the Heat are a beatable team whether Butler fits or not. After Monday’s game, the Lakers should be clear about what they need to change on offense, getting back to the movement they showed early and feeding Davis consistently throughout the evening. As always, taking care of the ball is a must, but the Lakers are a struggling team that they could return to if they play right.

Los Angeles Lakers (12-9) vs. Miami Heat (9-10)

4:30 p.m. PT, December 4, 2024
Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Expected Lakers starting lineup:

PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Dalton Knecht
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis

Key reserves: Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Armel Traore, Cam Reddish

Expected starting lineup:

Main actor: Tyler Herro
SG: Duncan Robinson
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: Haywood Highsmith
C: Bam Adebayo

Key reserves: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, Kevin Love, Nikola Jovic

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