Are Lakers Good Enough to Survive Without Anthony Davis? 39YO LeBron James’ Possible Increased Minutes Can’t be the Answer

The 2022-23 NBA season ended wrong for the Los Angeles Lakers. It was one they wanted to forget and hoped that the 2023-24 season would be their redemption era. Well, everything is not going according to plans, as they are failing horribly in this mission. Out of the seven games they have played this season, they won just three and lost all four away games. If this inconsistency continues, it could put a serious dent in their championship dreams. 

Anthony Davis was hoping to take the lead this year, and he accomplished it in part since the start. But now, even that is doubtful as the forward is ruled questionable for the upcoming games due to an injury he sustained on Monday’s match against the Miami Heat.  

Anthony’s injury is worrisome for the Lakers

 When discussing Anthony’s injury on ‘First Things First,’ Sports Analyst Chris Broussard acknowledged the All-Star’s efforts. At the same time, he pointed out that this would be detrimental to the Lakers’ prospects. “AD tried. I’ll give him credit for going out there and trying to play,” Broussard said. “Cause he knows the narrative about him, which has been earned but I give him credit for trying out there and play twice after he got injured.”

During the game, Davis had to leave just before halftime after appearing to suffer a lower-body injury. It was later confirmed that he had suffered a groin spasm. He did try to play as the third quarter began but had to exit again. He returned to the court about midway through the third quarter but had to leave after a few more minutes.

Chris further explained, “Maybe he’ll be back from this pretty soon, maybe as soon as Wednesday. But overall, this is a problem. His last three years. 36 games, missed 42 games, missed 26 games. An average of 35 games a year. And the challenge for the Lakers… I don’t think they’re good enough to withstand AD missing this many games.” 

Due to the injury, Davis was only able to put up nine points, six rebounds, four assists, and one blocked shot when he left the game. Losing him was a huge blow to the Lakers as they were unable to pull themselves up and had to settle for a loss. If the Lakers hope to stay in the fight for the title, they must come up with a possible solution to their continuing woes.

The Lakers’ core is not strong 

In the past, the other option for the Lakers would be to rely on LeBron James. But now, the analyst is also doubtful of even that. He said, “Are you gonna keep playing LeBron 36 minutes a night? He’s playing great, but he still can’t do it by himself anymore to win games in the West.”

At the start of the season, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham spoke about the possibility of restricted minutes for the veteran. Although this was met with negative reaction from fans, many could see the point. With this strategy, the team was ensuring that James would be available healthy for the playoffs. But now, with their dismal performances, LeBron has had to step up and play full minutes. Still, there is no positive result from the decisions.

Read More: Did Darvin Ham Lie About LeBron James? Lakers HC Backtracks on Initial Claim Again During Crunch Time vs Kings

Besides Davis and LeBron, fans and analysts were hoping to see D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves step up and lead the games. That has not been the reality as both have been having sporadic excellent performances followed by bad ones. Russell has been averaging 17.3 points per game with 3.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 27.9% 3-points. Reaves on the other hand, has an average of 14 points with 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He shoots 43.8% from the field and 31.3% 3-points.

If the Lakers do want to keep themselves alive for the playoffs, they must seriously rethink their strategies and come up with a plan that is sustainable to keep all players healthy and playing. They will face the Houston Rockets tomorrow and fans are looking to see how they will adapt themselves to a possible Davis-less team.

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