The Lakers are deep into their second week of training camp, creeping towards the opener on the 21st.
LeBron James (nerve issue in his glute) hasn't practiced. And now Luka Dončić seems to be more limited now than he was last week. Luka missed the two preseason games the Lakers played last weekend, and has been a limited participant in practice since. Last week, Dončić was -- reportedly at least -- a participant in everything the Lakers were doing on the floor.
That's not a good sign.
Lakers fans are starting to see a lot of teams displaying the important work of critical preseason practices. They're wondering if the team simply isn't serious enough about the preseason. But is the more appropriate worry that they're not healthy enough to put in the type of grind fans would prefer to see? LeBron has gone from hopefully participating in a one of the four remaining preseason games to hopefully being ready for the regular season opener. And now Dončić is going the wrong way.
It's been so disjointed that when asked what it's like to work with Luka and LeBron, new center Deandre Ayton said he doesn't know, because it hasn't happened yet.
That's... not good.
So are they unserious? Or more untruthful? At some point, if Luka isn't on the floor, the Lakers are going to need to provide an explanation of some sort.
One person likely to get an explanation ... from a judge? The fellow who sued LeBron after James revealed that the big Decision 2.0 was just an ad for cognac as opposed to some sort of retirement announcement. Making the tickets he purchased for the home regular season finale at the Crypt against Utah just a regular old game, one in which it's very possible LeBron won't even play. The dude says he's out hundreds of bucks, and that LeBron is responsible.
Good luck with that.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Luka's still not playing this week?
SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers being honest about their collective health?
SEGMENT 3: Lawsuit!!!
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