Lake Show Life
Fansided

The Lakers’ huge benefit of Anthony Davis and LeBron James’ injuries

By Davide Tovani

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Anthony Davis #3 (Gucci shirt) and LeBron James #23 (green jacket) of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.NOTE TO USER: 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Anthony Davis #3 (Gucci shirt) and LeBron James #23 (green jacket) of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.NOTE TO USER: 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

There is not really big news on Los Angeles Lakers‘ stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis‘ status. It looks like they are still going to be out for a while with their respective injuries. Hence, the rest of the team will have to deal with the situation for a longer time than probably expected, striving to remain in the playoff picture.

A week ago, I pointed out the positive aspects to be found in this situation, but I overlooked the most important benefit it could bring for the success of the team. And that is some much-needed rest for James and Davis.

After winning the 2020 NBA Championship in October, the Lakers experienced the shortest offseason in American professional sports history, as the 2020-21 season began right away in December.

There was obviously some concern for older players often tasked to carry the load of the team like LeBron, as well as for injury-prone players like AD. As a matter of fact, the short rest most likely played a factor in the injuries they sustained.

Time off is not going to be a drawback after all for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Well, we take what life throws at us and try to make the most of it. Although this extended time without their superstars is going to be a tough challenge for the purple and gold, at least LBJ and AD will have the chance to rest and heal their bodies overall from the hardships of the uninterrupted frame of the bubble and the tightened 2021 schedule.

This actually might end up revealing itself as a real advantage. LeBron and Anthony will enter the playoffs well-rested, something they would have not enjoyed if they had played the whole season. Chances are they would have got to the playoffs really fatigued from the long 2021 run.

The added depth with the acquisitions of Andre Drummond and Ben McLemore will help as well in the resting process.

MORE: The potential ceiling and floor of Ben McLemore

In the current state James and Davis will be ready to give their best effort for the postseason. Obviously, hopes are that they will be able to return a little bit earlier than the start of it so that they can get their legs under themselves and into a little bit of a rhythm with the flow of the game and their teammates.

Fortunately, the core of the team is mostly the same as last season and they won a championship together. So, it should not take long at least with the teammates, especially for a player as smart as LeBron is. Also, both made sure to travel with the team as much as possible to not lose that connection. Chemistry off the court plays a part as well.

50 greatest Lakers of all-time. dark. Next

We already saw what this duo could do under adverse conditions (i.e. the bubble) and as James recently tweeted regarding their return, “a thunderstorm is coming”.

Home/Lakers News