Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel discussed the availability of their star men LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
As the NBA’s restart gets closer, players are looking to get in the best shape possible. James already seems to be in great shape. Talking to the reporters in a zoom call, Vogel said James was looking as if he had never left.
“Outstanding,” Vogel said about how James has looked in the team’s practices (Via Silverscreen and Roll). “It’s really remarkable how well he’s been able to stay in shape. Stay ready. To be sharp. It’s as if there wasn’t a layoff at all, and he’s playing at a really high level.”
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In the week before the restart on July 30, teams will play three scrimmage games each. Although Vogel it remains unsure whether James would feature in these games. The Lakers play Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and Orlando Magic before the start of the game. Vogel said they haven’t decided on whether their star men LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be playing these games.
“But it’s not been decided yet. There’s a chance they do,” Vogel said.
Anthony Davis gets shots up ahead of the @Lakers first practice in Orlando. #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/nGP5EEr3Ak
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2020
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In Dion Waiters and JR Smith, Lakers have two new additions to their team who could play as a replacement for James and Davis during the practice games.
Can Anthony Davis and LeBron James lead Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA title?
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The Lakers are among the favorites to win the NBA title this year. When an exodus of players left the Lakers last summer to bring in Davis last summer, many believed it was a price too high. But since his arrival, the partnership between him and LeBron seemed worth it. Together, they have led the Lakers to the second-best record in the NBA. Davis has averaged 26.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game shooting at over 50% fro field goals. James, meanwhile, has led the league in assists with over 10 assists per game apart from contributing with 25.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
The Lakers resume their campaign against local rivals Los Angeles Clippers on July 30. As the tournament gets into the business end, the Lakers will certainly be one of the teams to watch out for.