Los Angeles Lakers climb to third in Western Conference as LeBron James’ squad dominates with nine consecutive win

After LeBron James was sidelined with a groin injury, many wondered if the Los Angeles Lakers could keep their winning ways. Luka Doncic quickly answered those questions by dropping 21 points in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets and finishing with a total of 31. With Austin Reaves chipping in 22 points and the Lakers boasting the second-best defensive rating over the past two months.The Lakers moved up to the third position in the Western Conference due to their strong roster, good tactical skills, and a few triumphant players.Luka Doncic has been a major factor in the Lakers' recent victories. During the matchup with the Nuggets, he racked up an impressive 31 points, with a jaw-dropping 21 of those coming in the first quarter, which really kicked things off. His ability to shine in crucial moments has been essential, especially with LeBron James missing games due to a left groin strain. Doncic's reliable high-level play has equipped the Lakers with the offensive strength necessary to keep them in the game.While Doncic grabs the spotlight, Austin Reaves has also made a name for himself as a vital player. He scored 22 points in the game against the Denver Nuggets, demonstrating his knack for performing in tough situations. Reaves' evolution into a trustworthy scorer and playmaker has bolstered the Lakers' team, enabling them to deal with the setbacks from injuries to crucial players.Lately, the Lakers have had a really good defensive game. Since the beginning of last month, they’ve improved the second-best defensive rating in the country. Contributions from the starting lineup and from the bench players along with this strong defense have been the key in their rise in the standings. What says more than role players filling in the voids of stars such as LeBron James, how role players have stepped up when the stars are absent.As the regular season continues to roll, The Lakers, showing their toughness to withstand and their ability to invent, are strong candidates to make it to the playoffs. Read Also - Aaron Gordon's Dominant Display Leads Denver Nuggets to Victory Without Nikola JokicWith their recent performances increasing their confidence, and sending a very loud message to every team in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers are a team who have the ability to perform under pressure and come together in a big game.