Perkins calls on Luka and JJ to keep the Lakers afloat in Bron’s absence.

After an incredible stretch in which they won eight games in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers have suddenly hit a bump in the road in the form of a groin injury to superstar LeBron James that will sideline him for a few weeks. With this, the feeling of elation fans of the “Purple and Gold” have experienced since the team’s stunning acquisition of Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic has quickly been replaced by dread.

According to ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, the Lakers have every reason to be wary of their performance in their next six games. An extended slump could see them drop down the standings and into an unfavorable spot heading into the postseason.

A dreadful loss to the Brooklyn Nets

Bron injured his groin in L.A.’s 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. With “The King” riding the sideline, the Lakers suffered a horrendous 111-108 defeat at the hands of the lowly Brooklyn Nets. It was a game with head coach JJ Redick heated with his team’s lack of effort and urgency, especially on the defensive end, where they gave up 18 three-pointers.

At 40-23, the Lakers are third in the Western Conference standings. However, their next six games include two games against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets, as well as two powerhouse squads.

The Lakers didn’t play with effort and heart

With Doncic on their roster, the Lakers boast enough talent to win against elite squads, which made the loss to the Nets a team destined for the NBA lottery  distressing. According to Shannon Sharpe, the L.A.-based team played like they didn’t care about the game at hand.

The Lakers are about to embark on a difficult slate of games that may determine where they’ll stand come the playoffs. While they do have a bona fide top-five player on their roster in Doncic, it may take more than just one player to carry them through this tough stretch.