Lakers Injury Report: Will Lebron James and Anthony Davis Play Back-To-Back vs the Timberwolves?

The Los Angeles Lakers are soon set to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their back-to-back game. Despite their wavering performance during most of the season, the Lakers are currently on Cloud Nine after winning nine of their last ten games. Currently seeded 8th, the team stands a chance to qualify for the playoffs if the momentum continues. While the team looks for its lead scorers, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis to strap up for the crucial phase, their lingering injuries over the past couple of games, raise questions about the golden duo’s presence in the coming matchup. 

A few hours ahead of the game, ESPN’s official website highlighted the Injury Report for the upcoming Lakers-Timberwolves clash. According to it, the only main lineup player listed from the LA team’s side is their power forward Jared Vanderbilt, who has been declared ‘out’ in light of his recent foot injury.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who were listed previously as ‘questionable’ have now been omitted completely from the report. This arrives as an elation for the franchise considering it confirms that the injuries plaguing the two players earlier will not prove a hindrance for now.

Anthony Davis and his Achilles Injury have been traveling hand in hand together since January. While it has bothered the player whenever he drops to the court, the injury has not forced him to miss out on a game since February 1st. However, Davis occasionally appears on the Injury Report, alternating between ‘probable’ and ‘questionable’.

As for LeBron James, his left ankle tendinopathy has showered its own troubles on the 39-year-old player. It forced him to be absent from two games back in March, the latest against the Bucks. Thanks to the recent update, fans are assured that he and Davis will be present to take on the high-seeding team at the Crypto.Com Arena in California. While the Lakers will rejoice, a cloud of worry continues to float above the Timberwolves.

The Injury Report released by the Minnesota team revealed that their second-highest average scorer, Karl-Anthony Towns, will continue to remain ‘out’. The Wolves have landed 111.9 points per game since Towns’ injury as compared to 113.3 in his presence while the rebounds average has come down from 44.2 to 42.8. Though the team has managed to stay well afloat without their star player, LeBron James and Co. will look to grab any advantage visible. 

LeBron James against the Timberwolves

Of the 1489 regular season games that LeBron James has participated in throughout his career, 42 of them have been against the Timberwolves. 13 took place during his ongoing tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. While their W/L record during those games was 8-5, the 39-year-old dropped his best performances during them. In the 13 games, LeBron has secured an average of 24.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists to his name. While mainly leading the offensive front, the player has also managed to set a high rebounds stat, having secured 10 or more in six of the matchups.

While his scoring ability remains a sight to gaze upon, LeBron’s shooting skills saw a bit of mix when going up against the Timberwolves. His field throw percentage stood at an impressive 75.6%, and his field goals at 48.8%. However, the player’s three-pointers were a matter of concern. While making an average attempt of 6.1 three-pointers, only 2.2 managed to land through the hoop, giving the player a low percentage of 36.7%.

The last time the two teams went against each other, the Lakers bested the Wolves 120-109. Now with both teams on a great momentum, it remains to see if the No.2 seeded team soars ahead or the Lakers inch closer to playoffs.

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