Without the injured national player Dennis Schröder, the Los Angeles Lakers around superstar LeBron James lost the start of the season against the NBA champions Golden State Warriors.
The 29-year-old captain of the German selection wants to be able to help the record champions much earlier than the team initially expected after an operation on his thumb. "They said the wound should heal completely in seven to ten days and from there it's about how I feel. The first diagnosis is that I'll be out for four weeks. But of course I'm trying to break a record and stuff to be back at the start as soon as possible," Schröder told the German Press Agency before the Lakers' 109:123 defeat in San Francisco.
Schroeder had surgery on Monday after tearing ligaments in his right thumb in a friendly against the Minnesota Timberwolves the week before. Without the number 17, the Lakers started with Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook as playmakers and were the inferior team against the Warriors around Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. In the third quarter the gap grew to 27 points. Curry marked 33 points for the champion, James came as the best Lakers pitcher on 31. Before the game, the Warriors had received their rings for the championship and pulled the banner under the roof of the hall.
Schröder already played for the NBA record champions in the 2020/2021 season and signed a one-year contract in Los Angeles after his strong performances at the European Basketball Championships with bronze for Germany. "I know the team needs me, but unfortunately you can't prevent injuries in sport," he said. "I'm working very hard to be back in two or three weeks and have a direct positive impact on the team. I want to help my team-mates to win."
Strong Tatum in Celtics home win
In the first game of the season, the Boston Celtics won at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. Last season's finalist won 126:117 at the TD Garden. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both had 35 points, while Tatum had 12 rebounds and four assists. For the 76ers, James Harden was also the most successful pitcher with 35 points.
The season in the NBA consists of 82 main round games for each of the 30 teams. The top 16 teams advance to the playoffs. The decision in the championship will be made in June 2023.
NBA profile Daniel Theis NBA profile Isaiah Hartenstein NBA profile Moritz Wagner NBA profile Franz Wagner NBA profile Maxi Kleber NBA profile Dennis Schröder
