This season, the Los Angeles Lakers have failed to put their mark. While their roster isn’t the best fit, their injury list has been a long one this season. On top of the list, two big names come up for the purple and gold, Anthony Davis and Kendrick Nunn. While Nunn is yet to suit up, Davis has been dealing with injuries all season long, leaving LeBron James to take care of things alone. However, the story ran the same way last year when the Lakers took a surprise exit in the first round. Recently, AD made some bold claims about their loss to the Suns last season.
As the defending champions, the Lakers were looking to make yet another run at the title last season. However, the Suns along with Chris Paul, stood in their way in the first round. While they came as a shocking team last season, the Lakers had the talent advantage. But luck did not go their way. Anthony Davis picked up a groin injury in Game 4 of the playoff series, and this allowed the Suns to make things even. They would eventually go on to win the series against LeBron James as Davis re-injured his groin in Game 6.
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However, Davis recently spoke about that loss and said his health would have turned things around.
Would the Lakers have won?
Anthony Davis is one of the crucial stars for the Los Angeles Lakers. His contributions run neck and neck with LeBron. Hence, it isn’t a surprise to see the purple and gold struggle without his services. So ahead of their battle vs the best team in the NBA, the Suns, Davis was asked about their loss last season. And the Lakers star said the Suns got away last season because he was injured.
He said: “It was … We know that. They know that … They got away with one”
Anthony Davis, asked if his groin injury is the main reason the Lakers didn’t beat the Suns in the playoffs last year, says: “It was … We know that. They know that … They got away with one”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 13, 2022
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The Lakers duo of the King and Brow had proved their superiority when healthy. They won the 2020 championship in their first season together. Hence, there is no doubt the challenge would be tougher on the Suns. In the 3 full games he played those playoffs, Davis dominated, posting over 30 points and 10 rebounds twice. He led the Lakers to a 2-1 lead in that period. Hence, there is no doubt his health was a big factor for LeBron James and the Lakers. But the Suns didn’t have their captain either.
Chris Paul dealt with a shoulder injury keeping him from having his best series as well. Paul was not even close to his true value. The Suns point guard averaged just 9 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds in the six-game series. Despite that, the Suns were able to deliver with a young Devin Booker on fire.
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With both parties completely healthy, do you think the Lakers can beat the Suns this season? Let us know in the comments below.