LeBron James makes feelings known on one 'challenging' factor amid Lakers' freefall

LeBron James and the LA Lakers lost 134-132 in overtime to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, extending their losing streak to three games. Unlike the previous two defeats, this one went down to the wire. Trae Young nailed a 24-footer with 8.0 seconds left in the extra period to lift the Hawks to victory.

After the game, James had this to say about the LA Lakers’ struggles:

"We have about five guys in our top 11 not in uniform. ... It's very challenging."

The Lakers were without Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood against the Hawks. Vanderbilt and Wood have not played a game this season. Hayes has not played for weeks, while Hood-Schifino and Reaves have not suited up in the last few games.

LeBron James’ comments came a game after he said the team’s “nasty” offense was the reason for their free fall. The offense picked up against Atlanta, but the Lakers looked gassed late in the game with key players out of the lineup.

Reaves’ absence has had a big impact on the Lakers. The starting shooting guard took a hard fall in late November against the OKC Thunder. The team is 1-3 without Reaves, with its only win coming against the rebuilding Utah Jazz 105-104 on Dec. 1.

Without Reaves, James has had to take on more playmaking and scoring responsibilities. The added load is perhaps why he struggled in his previous few games before regaining his touch against the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

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LeBron James and the LA Lakers are on the road for most of December

LeBron James and the LA Lakers opened December with a four-game road trip. They have not played in front of their home fans this month. They will get that opportunity when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

After the game against the Blazers, the Lakers will play on the road in four of their next seven games. Every game outside of Crypto.com Arena promises to be a tough challenge. They visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 13 and then travel to Golden 1 Center for back-to-back matchups with the Sacramento Kings.

LeBron James and Co. will face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Christmas Day in a marquee matchup with Steph Curry. The Lakers return home for a few days before closing the month with another game against the Kings.

The Lakers are 5-8 on the road after their loss to the Hawks. Playing more games away from their home floor adds more challenges to the injury-riddled roster.