On April 9, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season fierce battle is in full swing. According to the schedule, the Lakers will play the Thunder at home today, and this game will be the Lakers' home game of the season. At present, the Lakers have a record of 31 wins and 49 losses, ranking 11th in the West, and have been determined in advance to miss the playoffs.
Earlier today, the Lakers officially released the team's injury report, James (left ankle sprain), Davis (right midfoot sprain), Westbrook (right shoulder sore), Anthony (non-new crown disease), Nunn (season reimbursement) will miss today's game. In an interview yesterday, Lakers coach Vogel said that the team's big four are expected to play in today's game, but it is clear that after weighing factors such as injuries, they finally made the decision not to play.
In addition, the Lakers officially announced that the team has converted Gabriel's two-way contract into a formal contract. According to Shams, the Lakers signed Gabriel to a two-year contract with a team option for the 2022-23 season. Earlier yesterday, the Lakers cut Ariza precisely to make room to sign Gabriel. So far this season, Gabriel has played in 17 games for the Lakers, including four starts, averaging 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 46.7% from the field and 26.9% from three-point range!
There is no doubt that for the Lakers, who are aiming to win the championship this season, it is difficult to disappoint by ending the season in such a way. The reasons for the Lakers' failure this season are manifold, ranging from management to bad signings, to too many injuries to coaching. To be sure, the Lakers will make very big changes to the roster this summer.
The Lakers are currently experiencing an eight-game losing streak, their longest losing streak so far this season. Facing the Thunder, who are no.2nd from the bottom of the West, at home today is a good opportunity for the Lakers to end their losing streak. After today's game, the Lakers will play the Nuggets on the road next Monday, after which they will officially end the season.