Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from LeBron James-less stretch of games

1. Patience — LeBron’s health is all that matters

The main takeaway is not to worry. It sounds simple because it is really simple. The Los Angeles Lakers are not a playoff team without LeBron James, yet are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, stuck in the group of contenders below the Golden State Warriors, when he is healthy.

Everybody knew that coming into the season and this stretch of games with LeBron out confirms it. The Lakers are 4-7 without him this season, and he will be out for at least their next two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets before being re-evaluated for the left groin injury that’s kept him out.

The Lakers are tied for the 8-seed at the moment, which may appear worrisome for their playoff hopes if LeBron misses time. But fret not, because seeding does not matter to LeBron. If it were already playoff time or later in the season, LeBron would be playing. He’s preparing his body and waiting until he is 100 percent to return to the lineup.

Honestly, what team outside of Golden State worries LeBron? The list is none, and the Lakers even ran the Warriors off their own floor the last time they played. Their schedule is difficult the rest of the season, but if the Lakers are two games back of the 8-seed when LBJ returns, the smart money is on L.A. to make the postseason.

Patience should be preached for the Lakers right now. Patience with LeBron nursing his injury, patience with Luke Walton and patience with the young players as they continue to adjust to life without their two main playmakers. Help is on the way, and help in this sense is the game’s greatest player.