The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the NBA playoffs and are hoping to repeat as champions. The team, led by superstar duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is confident that they can make a deep run in the postseason despite injuries plaguing both players throughout the regular season.
Health Update on James and Davis
James and Davis played the final eight games of the regular season together, marking the longest streak of games they were both available since the start of the COVID season. This is great news for Lakers fans, who have seen their favorite players get sidelined by injuries over the last three seasons.
Head coach Darvin Ham confirmed that neither player would have any restrictions heading into the playoffs. The five-day break leading up to the playoffs helped with their overall health, giving them time to rest and recover from any lingering injuries.
While Davis has been dealing with a foot injury since December, he has stated that he is healthy and that sitting out games was just a precaution. James has also been dealing with a foot injury, which he may need surgery on after the season. However, he is determined to give his all during the playoffs.
When both players are healthy and available, they are a formidable force for opponents to face. The Lakers will need their superstars at full strength if they hope to make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.
Lakers Will Not Limit Workloads in Playoffs
Despite concerns about injuries, the Lakers will not be limiting the workloads of James and Davis in the playoffs. Fans might not be happy with this decision, but it could be necessary if the Lakers hope to make another championship run.
LeBron James has historically played a lot of minutes in the playoffs and has carried a great burden for his teams in past years. Frank Vogel had limited James’ playoff minutes during his first two postseason runs as a Laker, but Darvin Ham has leaned on his superstar in recent games.
During Davis’ absence due to injury earlier this season, James’ field goal attempts skyrocketed. The Lakers need to win every game in the playoffs, and Ham will treat James and Davis accordingly. This means they may see heavy minutes on the court throughout the playoffs.
Lakers Outlook in NBA Playoffs
The Lakers are not worried about being the seventh seed and believe that seeding doesn’t matter in the playoffs. The team has won 10 of their last 12 games and went 2-1 against their first-round opponent, the Memphis Grizzlies, during the regular season.
However, the Grizzlies have a strong defensive rating this season, with Jaren Jackson Jr. playing a large part in it. Lakers’ star Anthony Davis has a plan to combat Jackson Jr.’s defense in the playoffs, but it remains to be seen if it will work.
The Lakers are healthy with Davis, James, and Schroder ready to play despite dealing with injuries during the season. Ham believes they have a healthy, deep, talented roster that can compete with any team in the league.
In terms of odds, the Lakers are slight underdogs (+105) to win the series against the Grizzlies, and Memphis is a 3.5-point favorite for Game 1 on Sunday. However, the Lakers are used to being underestimated and will look to prove any doubters wrong as they embark on their playoff journey.
In conclusion, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are ready to lead the Lakers into another playoff run. The team is healthy and confident despite injuries plaguing them throughout the regular season. The Lakers will not be limiting their workload in the playoffs and are prepared to give it their all on their quest for another championship ring.
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