The Los Angeles Lakers have had a tumultuous season, with injuries plaguing their star duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers had to play in the PlayIn Tournament to earn a spot in the postseason, but they are finally getting healthy as they head into their first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.
A Healthy James and Davis Head into the Playoffs
LeBron James and Anthony Davis played together for eight straight games to end the regular season, their longest streak since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While both players have dealt with injuries throughout the season, they head into the playoffs without any restrictions.
Head coach Darvin Ham confirmed that neither LeBron nor Davis would have any limitations heading into the postseason. This news is a huge relief for Lakers fans who have seen their team struggle with injuries all season long.
Davis has been nursing his foot injury since December but has stated that he is finally healthy and was only sitting out as a precautionary measure in the final months of the season. Meanwhile, LeBron has been dealing with a foot tendon injury that may require surgery after the season.
The five-day break before the playoff opener against the Grizzlies was much needed for the Lakers to get healthy. With both stars ready to go, the Lakers will look to make a deep playoff run.
The Challenge of Jaren Jackson Jr. Won’t Faze Davis
The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the best defensive teams in the league, ranking third in defensive rating this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a significant part of their success on that end of the court, but Anthony Davis is not worried about facing him.
“I’m not concerned,” Davis said when asked about Jackson Jr.’s defensive prowess. “I’m going to go out there and play my game.”
Davis will need to be at his best if the Lakers want to advance past the Grizzlies in the first round. The Lakers struggled in the PlayIn Tournament, but they have won 10 of their last 12 games and are finally healthy heading into the playoffs.
Seeding Doesn’t Matter for the Lakers
The Lakers enter the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, but LeBron James doesn’t pay too much attention to seeding. “I don’t think seeding matters in the playoffs,” James said. “It’s all about matchups.”
The Lakers went 2-1 against the Grizzlies during the regular season, but Memphis is a 3.5-point favorite in Game 1 on Sunday. With both teams healthy, it should be an intriguing matchup between two talented squads.
Darvin Ham Won’t Restrict Workload for Injured Stars
The Lakers have had to deal with James and Davis being frequently injured and rarely available at the same time. With both stars finally healthy, there were concerns that coach Darvin Ham may restrict their workload in fear of re-injury.
However, Ham stated that there will be no restrictions on James and Davis as he knows the urgency of every game and will treat his stars accordingly. This news is reassuring for Lakers fans who have seen their team struggle with injuries all season long.
James historically carries a significant burden in the postseason and plays an average of 41.5 minutes per game for his career. Frank Vogel slightly limited James’ playoff minutes during his first two postseason runs as a Laker, averaging five fewer minutes and 2.3 fewer shots compared to his stints with the Cavaliers and Heat.
Despite this, Darvin Ham has had no misgivings about leaning on his stars, with James averaging 23.9 field goal attempts per game while Davis was injured this season. Every game is a must-win in the playoffs, and Ham will treat his stars accordingly.
In conclusion, the Lakers are finally healthy and ready to make a deep playoff run with no restrictions on their stars. While the Grizzlies present a tough challenge, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are ready to take it on and lead the Lakers to victory.
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