Heading into the season, much of the talk involving the Los Angeles Lakers was how Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma would fare playing under an intense spotlight as the supporting cast to LeBron James.
Now, however, the Lakers young core is struggling to remain afloat as James recovers from a strained groin. His absence has been overlapped by that of Rajon Rondo, who was also injured in the Christmas Day game.
With two of their leaders and primary ballhandlers sidelined, the Lakers have relied more heavily on Ball and Ingram. Mixed results have contributed to a 1-4 record in games James and Rondo have missed.