The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rocky season. They have flirted with the .500 mark since the inception of this season. Additionally, they have been compromised by injuries to key players. Their true potential and potency as a squad are still oblivious. Yet, wading through those difficulties the Lakers have built a steady rhythm, one they wouldn’t want to halt. Only it’s the Denver Nuggets that stand in their way next.
The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the WCF series last year. From that day LeBron James and Anthony Davis have wanted to exact revenge. They made their thirst for vengeance known during the media day. However, in two games this season against Denver, Nikola Jokic and Co have hammered the Purple and Gold.
Now, they face for one final time this season. Considering it is so close to the postseason, it holds major significance. Unfortunately for LA, there are some worrisome updates about LeBron James and AD.
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Will Anthony Davis play against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets?
The Lakers have had a dramatic week. Their last two wins came down to the nail-biting moments in the clutch. Against the Clippers, a 21-point comeback in the fourth, and against the Wizards a thrilling win in overtime. Both had one common denominator – the insatiable flair of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The two superstars of LA picked have done most of the weightlifting. Davis has accepted the role as the defensive tyrant for the Lakers. A defense that is majorly struggling has been kept sane thanks to the presence of one Anthony Davis. He has had a monster impact this season averaging 25.1 points, 23.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
He is coming off dropping 40 points on the Wizards’ dome in the Lakers overtime win two nights ago. But will he play against Nikola Jokic?
Cam Reddish and Anthony Davis are PROBABLE for tomorrow's game against the Nuggets, while LeBron James is QUESTIONABLE. pic.twitter.com/7YK5TCE2bA
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 2, 2024
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Anthony Davis, who is having discomfort in his Achilles is listed as probable. Since vowing to play 82 games, the Brow has played through such injuries this season. He has taken part in 57 games, his most in the last four seasons and there are still 21 games remaining in the regular season.
In their past two encounters, the Laker defense had faltered against the defending champs. Even though LA found a way to muster up enthralling wins, their defense has been a prominent weakness. If James doesn’t play, the Purple and Gold will lose their leverage of trying to beat a seamless offense like that of the Denver Nuggets with a brute aggression of their own.
AD will remain to be the pivotal force the Lakers hunt for. If James does indeed miss, he will have to rule over both ends of the floor while expecting elevated contributions from the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. The Nuggets have been unconquerable currently boasting a five-game win streak.
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READ MORE-Dwyane Wade Leaves Anthony Davis in the Dust to Win Peculiar NBA Throne
It is a battle of the Western Conference giants. Can LA upset the defending champions? Let us know what you think.