This preseason, fans of the Los Angeles Lakers might have noticed something unusual: the team has been spending a lot more time on the road than expected. Typically, teams balance their preseason games between home and away, giving players a chance to get into the rhythm of both environments before the regular season. So, why are the Lakers traveling so much this year?
The answer lies in the ongoing renovation work at their home arena, the Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center). These renovations have led to limited availability of the venue, forcing the Lakers to play more of their preseason games away from home. The arena’s schedule has been packed with construction and other events, which has made it challenging for the Lakers to secure home dates for their games.
Despite the added travel, the Lakers are using this opportunity to build team chemistry and give new players a chance to adapt to different settings. For a team looking to rebound from last season and make a strong playoff run, the ability to perform well on the road will be crucial. Head coach Darvin Ham has emphasized that getting out of their comfort zone early in the season could be a valuable learning experience for both the veterans and the younger players.
In the end, while the extended road trip might seem like a disadvantage, it could ultimately serve as a stepping stone for the Lakers’ growth this season. With new strategies and lineups to test, the Lakers hope that these early challenges will pay off when the regular season kicks in and the competition heats up.
Summary
The Los Angeles Lakers’ extended travel schedule this preseason has raised questions among fans, who are used to a more balanced mix of home and away games. The primary reason behind this increased time on the road is the renovation work at their home court, Crypto.com Arena, which has limited the team’s access to the venue. As a result, the Lakers have had to play more of their games away from home.
The coaching staff is viewing this situation as an opportunity to strengthen team cohesion and help the new players acclimate to different playing environments. Coach Darvin Ham believes that facing early-season challenges away from their home court could benefit both the seasoned and newer players in the long run.
Although the schedule might look like a hurdle, the Lakers aim to turn this preseason challenge into an advantage that boosts their performance for the rest of the season.
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