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While LeBron James sitting on the second game of a back-to-back would seem to be perfunctory, that may not be the case as the LA Lakers host the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Both teams are set to meet at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday, as the Lakers hope to wrap up the month with a 2-2 record.
According to the Lakers' injury report, two players are not expected to play. One of them is Jarred Vanderbilt, who is still out with a heel injury. He is expected to return in mid-November. Jalen Hood-Schifino is still day-to-day; however, if the Lakers decide to field him, he likely won't have a huge effect.
With Vanderbilt's injury, Taurean Prince has been starting and had his best game as a Laker on Sunday night in a 132-127 overtime loss to the Kings. He was the third-best scoring option behind James and Anthony Davis.
With the new rules of the NBA on load management, top-tier players will find themselves playing more games compared to previous seasons. James played 39 minutes on Sunday, and now he's facing the second night of a back-to-back, traditionally when teams rest players.
Nonetheless, it is good to see Anthony Davis and LeBron James playing more games together in the regular season.
LeBron James on the Lakers' new additions
The LA Lakers brought back the same core of players from last season and added a few more pieces for depth. Among those are Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes.
After the game on Sunday, LeBron James discussed the team's new players. He told the media:
"Your job is, if you are on the floor, then you try to make it work with the other four guys that's on the floor with you. Try to compliment each other the best way you can both offensively and defensively and until the coach figure out a rhythm, until you know what the sub pattern is, just go out and play."
After this game with the Orlando Magic, the Lakers have another home game against the LA Clippers on Wednesday. They then go on a four-game road trip starting Saturday, taking on the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns.
