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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Anthony Davis of the Lakers has been a beacon of light for the team. Though he has been riddled with injuries recently, AD has shined through when his team needed him the most. Their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday was the perfect example. Without LeBron James to pull the weight, the purple and gold needed to get their game faces on. And the result was an astounding 134 against the Grizzlies’ 107.

The Lakers finally looked like the team we all know them for. Wednesday’s back-to-back against the Sacramento Kings is an opportunity for them to build on their newfound confidence.

Can Anthony Davis keep his juice flowing for tonight’s matchup?

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Against the Grizzlies, Davis really looked like the man who is ready to take on LeBron’s mantle. Taking the lead and showing the way for the rest of his team to follow certainly struck a chord with the fans. His hip adductor has been a constant problem that has slowed his run. But it looks like he is most likely to play for the Lakers vs Kings game tonight.

USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers stint for Davis has been all about getting hit by injuries left, right, and center. AD joined the Lakers from the Pelicans and he happened to play just 199 of a possible 377 regular season games. The 2020 season went without much noise, because one, it was COVID-19 and therefore, fewer games to play. Hence, lesser chances of injuries.

The next season, though, saw Davis down with Achilles and calf problems that shortened the number of games to 36 in a 72-game season. Anthony has pretty much sustained every injury that can hit a basketball player. In no particular order, Davis has been the victim of wrist, ankle, shoulder, hip, Achilles, foot, and hand injuries.

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

But that hasn’t affected his spirit at all. If anything, it has only motivated him to work harder. The result is one of the best two-way players ever. In all honesty, though, since this is a back-to-back and AD is still on the fence with his hip, there is a chance he might sit this one out.

Can the Sacramento Kings continue their winning streak vs the Lakers?

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The Kings are back in the game with De’Aaron Fox making a splendid return to the lineup. Taking their third straight win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, the young team is all set to take the Lakers tonight. The Beam Team has two players who are not going to be playing – Trey Lyles and Alex Len.

The Lakers’ three key players are still on the injury list. But there is hope. Jalen Hood-Schifino has gone through full-court drill work practice on Tuesday and Vanderbilt has been cleared to start a return progression. Vincent, though, will be out for two more weeks.

Sacramento’s success did not come easy. The Cavaliers were worthy opponents. But a rejuvenated Fox and the Kings’ long-range success was what defeated the Cavs. The Kings are off to their six-game road trip and will definitely look to start with a win over the formidable Lakers.

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Will the young core of the “Beam Team” be able to take on the hardened veterans of the Lakers dynasty?

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