The Los Angeles Lakers have dealt with injuries to both Anthony Davis and LeBron James throughout the 2020-21 NBA season. Davis has been back in the lineup for some time but James has continued to be sidelined. That could change soon.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, James is targeting his return to the Lakers’ lineup during Tuesday’s matchup with the New York Knicks. If he is unable to go, the focus will shift to Wednesday’s contest against the Houston Rockets.
It has been since last Sunday that LeBron James has been on the court for a game with the Lakers. He suffered a sore right ankle and the team is being cautious with the start of the NBA playoffs being so close. Having James back against a tough team like the Knicks would give Los Angeles a needed boost.
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As the Western Conference standings currently stand, the Lakers are projected to hold the No. 7 seed and will have to participate in the NBA Play-In Tournament in order to earn a playoff spot. Los Angeles is largely out of reach from the No. 5 spot as the Dallas Mavericks hold a two-game lead. However, the Lakers still only are behind the Portland Trail Blazers for No. 6 by just one-game.
It has been a challenge for LeBron James to stay healthy as of late. He has appeared in only two games since the start of April and just 7 games overall since the NBA All-Star Game. It remains to be seen if he’s going to be able to hold up for the Lakers throughout their playoff run. If not, teams like the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, or Denver Nuggets could make a rare breakthrough to the NBA Finals.
The top priority for LeBron James is to be back for the NBA Play-In Tournament. If he’s not in rhythm, there’s a chance that a hot team like the Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry could end the Lakers’ season early.
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