
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Wesley Matthews (9) react as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker looks on in the second half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Wesley Matthews (9) react as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker looks on in the second half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
This season for the Los Angeles Lakers was beyond difficult for many reasons. It all goes back to not getting enough rest before training camp started, and to not having the best players on the roster, along with the added bonus of injuries. Everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong for them and cost them their second straight chance at an NBA championship. While fans are already thinking about what next season might look like for the Lakers, Anthony Davis is fairly optimistic.
Are the Lakers all set for next year?
After last season, the training camp for this season for Lakers began faster than what the players were used to. After winning the championship, 51 days passed, and they were already in training camp for the 2020-21 campaign. While LeBron James was very vocal about his concerns about players’ health because of this decision, the season proceeded as planned.
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Unfortunately, LeBron couldn’t have been more right. A team that was expected to make a deep playoff run this season as well, stumbled upon injuries that hindered their journey. First, it was Anthony Davis, and then LeBron. And even though Bron ended up returning to the lineup for the playoffs, AD was never seen in full form afterward.
"I feel good tho, chat. Groin feels real good. Trust me; we're going to be ready for next year. We're going to be right.”
– Anthony Davis
(via @nicoleganglani, h/t @pickuphoop)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 18, 2021
With so much speculation on what the Lakers are planning ahead of the next season, Anthony Davis reassured fans about his health and the team’s intentions. He stated, “I feel good tho, chat. Groin feels real good. Trust me; we’re going to be ready for next year. We’re going to be right.”
READ MORE: ‘He’s an Idiot’: D’Angelo Russell Bashes Former Lakers’ Head Coach For His Unfair Treatment
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Will a longer offseason help LA?
As per Shams Charania, the training camp for the 2021-22 NBA season will commence in late September. And the regular season is set to begin in October. This means the Lakers will have plenty of time to prepare for what’s to come.
Sources: Key dates for the 2021-22 NBA season:
Sept. 28: Training camp starts
Oct. 19: Regular season starts
April 16: Playoffs start
June 2: Finals Game 1
June 19: Finals Game 7
June 23: 2022 NBA Draft— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 10, 2021
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However, there is no guarantee that a long offseason will mean no injuries will turn up. It will only decrease the likelihood of players suffering from something severe. Whether a long break is all the Lakers need to come back stronger, only time will tell. But the way the Lakers played with a healthy LeBron and Davis, has fans believing that might be enough.
WATCH THIS STORY: How has LeBron James Tried to Emulate Michael Jordan in Different Ways?
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