via Imago
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) wait to enter the game against the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) wait to enter the game against the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a heap of trouble after LeBron James rolled his ankle in their 99-94 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. With James joining Anthony Davis on the sidelines, what could this potentially mean for the defending NBA Champions?
The doctors diagnosed LeBron with a high ankle sprain following his MRI. It is something that would rule him out at least a couple of weeks. Normally, the small forward has a good track record of returning from ankle sprain, but the Lakers’ medical staff might be more cautious this time around, considering the complications it could cause to his ankle if it does not fully heal.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Tony Snell (19) falls onto the leg of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Staples Center. James fell to the floor in obvious pain and later left the game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Where will the Lakers find themselves when LeBron and AD make their return?
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Anthony Davis isn’t due for his scans until later this week. This means that he will potentially make his return the same time as LeBron.
The Lakers play eight games in the next two weeks. They could very well find themselves out of the top 4 in the West by the time the duo grace the court again. The team is just 2.5 games ahead of the likes of the Nuggets and the Blazers, with their noisy neighbors also breathing down their necks.
Their schedule is mixed for the next 14 days, with matchups against two beasts from the East- Sixers, and the Bucks- accompanied by winnable games against the Cavs, Magic, and the Kings.
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates with forward Anthony Davis after a play during the third quarter against the Miami Heat in game two of the 2020 NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Should the Lakers write off their season?
This season is showing shades of their doomed 2018-19 campaign. LeBron hurt his groin, and the Lakers suffered badly in the two-month stretch where he was out. They tanked the rest of the season and returned fresh to mount a title challenge in their next outing.
With Brooklyn Nets looking unstoppable and the Sixers and the Bucks improving all the time, should the Lakers repeat the drill, make some roster changes in the offseason and launch an assault on the 2022 NBA Title?
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Is their season over?
It would be foolish to say that their season is over. Yes, they can tank, but should they choose not to, they can continue to mount their title defense.
Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates! I’m hurt inside and out right now. 🤦🏾♂️. The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left. #ThekidfromAKRON🤴🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 21, 2021
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Since their hopes rest on AD & LeBron, it all depends on how the duo return from their ankle ailments. If they can be fit and firing towards the end of the regular season, they can enter the playoffs with a lot of optimism.
