The 2023-24 season has been a seemingly never-ending string of mild but significant misfortunes for the Los Angeles Lakers. They have been unable to stay nearly or fully healthy for more than a few days at a time, and with a 21-22 record, the chances of them missing the playoffs are growing.
After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks earlier this week behind strong defense, they went back to their old inept ways on Friday. Facing a weak Brooklyn Nets team, they blew a 12-point lead in the first half and practically shut themselves down en route to a 130-112 loss.
While L.A. will host the second-worst team in the Western Conference in the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, they have a new injury concern. Forward Taurean Prince has been dealing with left knee soreness and will not play.
Update:
Taurean Prince has been downgraded to OUT for the game tonight against Portland. https://t.co/mhgDhbpsgb
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 21, 2024
Prince is arguably L.A.’s best 3-point shooter, especially in spot-up situations. He has made 38.7% of such attempts this season, and he leads the team with 225 3-point tries on the season.
