Anthony Davis Provides Telling Update on LeBron James’ Health Before the Playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers are limping to the playoffs and battling through a tough stretch of games. LA’s struggles have pushed it into the likely possibility of participating in the play-in tournament. Anthony Davis has now shed some light on LeBron James‘ health ahead of the playoffs.
Lakers tumble down playoff picture
Over the last two weeks, the Lakers have experienced a notable stumble in the Western Conference standings.
LA has lost eight out of its last 10 games, falling to the seventh playoff spot. Its struggles have put it in the likely scenario of participating in the play-in tournament, which could put its playoff chances in danger.
The outside doubt has only continued to grow, promoting the notion that LA could be quickly eliminated in the playoffs. Much of that dialogue is anchored toward the team’s health with LeBron James still sidelined.
However, Anthony Davis has brought some clarity concerning the four-time league MVP.
Anthony Davis provides telling update on LeBron James’ health before the playoffs
The focus around the Lakers remains centered on LeBron James’ health.
Since making his return last week, James has missed the last three games, but there doesn’t appear to be any internal concern. Following Sunday’s win over the Phoenix Suns, Davis underlined that the 36-year-old will be fine.
“What I saw from LeBron today, he’ll be fine,” Davis said via Mike Trudell of Lakers.com. “Trust me. He’ll be fine.”
Davis’ comments echo much of what the Lakers have conveyed to the media about James’ health. His absence isn’t linked to his inability to play but instead providing him more rest to avoid any setback once he returns.
In other words, James is healthy enough to play, but the Lakers are taking the precautionary approach to let him get back in the fold when he’s ready. The expectation is that he will return on Tuesday against the New York Knicks or Wednesday to face the Houston Rockets.
The question remains whether that provides James enough time to get his feet under him and find his rhythm before the playoffs.
Anthony Davis rounding into top form
The last couple of weeks have been nothing short of rough for the Lakers, but within those struggles is one shining light: Anthony Davis.
Davis’ performance continues to improve with each passing game. The star forward is coming off a dominating outing in Sunday’s win over the Suns as he heavily impacted both ends of the floor.
Phoenix had no answer for him defensively due to its undersized backcourt, leading to a 42-point performance. Davis has increasingly become more of a physical presence in the paint lately, leading to 32 free-throw attempts in the last two games.
The 28-year-old is beginning to peak at the right time as only four games are left in the regular season. LA holds a favorable remaining schedule facing only one team with a winning record.
The Lakers hold the high possibility of participating in the play-in tournament, but it’s a challenge they embrace.
“It’s been fun, to be honest,” Davis said via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “We were a great team last year, and this is the first time since I’ve been here that we ran into a challenge. This is a different challenge for us.”
