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3 issues that could keep the Los Angeles Lakers from the NBA Finals

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. LeBron James and Anthony Davis may not be 100% at all this season

The obvious elephant in the room is the injuries that LeBron James and Anthony Davis have suffered. LeBron’s high ankle sprain will keep him out another few weeks while Davis’ Achilles/calf issues have lingered longer than expected.

Frank Vogel provided a recent update, saying on Saturday that Davis is still “a ways away” from returning. That is worrisome for the Lakers. Let’s not forget that the last game of the regular season is May 16.

Davis should return before the end of the regular season and barring an unforeseen setback, LeBron will as well. But just getting them back is only half of the battle for the Lakers.

The first problem that the Lakers are going to have to overcome is getting both guys to ramp up to full speed. LeBron is 36 years old and Davis is coming off of one of the most troubling injuries a player can have, even if the team stopped it before it got too serious.

Without enough games to get up to speed before the playoffs the Lakers may only get 80% of what they typically would from those stars. That could be an issue.

The other factor is on the on-court chemistry. While the Lakers do not have chemistry issues, both LeBron and AD have not played much together with the new role players that the Lakers brought in this offseason. They have not played at all with Andre Drummond.

We really start to split hairs when we get into the NBA Playoffs and something as simple as familiarity with each other on the court can absolutely swing a playoff game or two, which is massive.

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