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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Apr 19, 2023 Memphis, Tennessee, USA Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis 3 and forward LeBron James 6 watch during the second half during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis FedExForum Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPetrexThomasx 20230419_jhp_in1_0109
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1028304123h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Apr 19, 2023 Memphis, Tennessee, USA Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis 3 and forward LeBron James 6 watch during the second half during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis FedExForum Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPetrexThomasx 20230419_jhp_in1_0109
It is that time again. We ponder what superstar is going to play or skip the NBA Preseason game. Since these games have no bearing on the record, teams manage their load carefully. They focus more on trimming down choices for the last few remaining roster spots. Therefore, superstars, even when they play, can be limited to under 20 minutes. LeBron James has thus far played only one of the three Lakers’ games.
After skipping the preseason opener against the Warriors, will he cross swords with Stephen Curry and Co. this time around? What about Anthony Davis who has his own injury concerns?
Will LeBron James and Anthony Davis play against the Warriors?
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At the time of writing this, there is no official update from the Lakers’ staff about these two players. James didn’t play in the game against the Kings, which occurred a couple of days ago. Thus far, he has lodged only 17 minutes in three games.
No, it isn’t a big concern. The Forward is resting himself for the rigors of the Regular Season. He will be 39 in a couple of months and needs to manage his injuries carefully.
When it comes to managing injuries, Anthony Davis’ name is consistently floating. He has missed a ton of games during the last two seasons. However, because of his instrumental all-position defense and incredible overall chops, the Lakers gave him a massive three-year $186 million extension. Therefore, they would want him to be available for big-time action during the Regular Season.
After playing the first two games, he skipped the tussle against the Kings. He has lodged way more minutes than LBJ but the Lakers management will be treading with a lot of caution now. Without him, the balance can break apart in the absence of a big man. He is a necessary presence against top-quality Centers and there is no one in the Lakers who can cover the big men better.
Therefore, if both players skip the game, it won’t be surprising. How have the Lakers’ depth looked in their absence?
The Lakers’ depth is serious
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This offseason, rather than hunting a big name, the Purple and Gold seized on the depth. They signed strong role players Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood. They extended D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-03-18T055858Z_717121033_MT1USATODAY20259069_RTRMADP_3_NBA-DALLAS-MAVERICKS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 17, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Thus, the Lakers’ way is to build a solidity among different positions. The role players have done well in the absence of the key role players, and that is why they have won two contests.
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Whether LeBron James and Anthony Davis play or not, the Lakers are going to deal a serious challenge to Curry and co.
Watch This Story: Watch: Lebron James Sets up Lakers’ 7FT Recruit With an Audacious Lob as Anthony Davis Witnesses From the Bench
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