LeBron James delivers for the Lakers like a conveyor belt. And: At the age of 37, he is even once again in the hunt for the title of scoring champ – including numerous new records. But that raises the question of why the Lakers aren’t doing better and what hopes supporters can have for the play-offs.
Hopes were high at the beginning of the season: after the Westbrook trade, the Lakers were expecting the “Big Three” around Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis and LeBron James. But the now long-time partner at the side of the “Kings”, Anthony Davis, played only 73 games in the regular season since the championship in 2020. This season he missed a long time with a knee injury and then badly twisted his ankle in February: The result was a sprained right metatarsal that has slowed the forward down ever since. Early last week, there were initial reports that Davis would be back to taking first down throws, but nothing more is known so far about the condition of his right foot.
While the other part of the “Big-Three” has nothing to do with injuries, Westbrook is not really getting going either and is not the relief he was looking for. Occasionally he hits important throws or records “triple-doubles”, but all in all the guard is not convincing so far in the Lakers Jersey. Towards the end of the trade deadline, there were even more reports of attempts by the Lakers to trade the newcomer – without success. So the Lakers – if Davis is fit at all until the start – will go into the play-offs with a trio that has only played a few games together. Can you survive in the postseason like that?
What does the Lakers’ path to the playoffs look like?
What is certain is that the NBA’s play-in tournament begins in just under two weeks. The format is going into its second round this year after it was launched for the first time last season. The 2020 NBA champions will almost certainly be represented: The Los Angeles Lakers have been bobbling around between ninth and tenth place for quite some time and are looking for consistency. In their current position, the Lakers would have to win two games to even participate in the play-offs. And, if they do, the rested Phoenix Suns would be ready in the first round.
Is LeBron enough for the Lakers?
The fact is, James is back in a frame of mind where he dominates games at will. He left all doubters out in the cold and ripped off one fabulous game after another throughout the season. He shot the lights out against the Warriors recently in March with 56 points and only recently secured second place on the all-time scoring list. But as mentioned at the beginning, the Lakers’ path to a possible final or title is not easy: If the Lakers do not enter the play-in tournament higher than ninth place and advance in the mini-tournament, the Suns will be waiting directly in the first round. Only with a fit AD and “LBJ” putting on one stellar performance after another could the Lakers likely start a deeper “run. “
