Will Anthony Davis’ Return From Injury Be Enough For Lakers?

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA News
NBA Analysis Network

It is hard to imagine, given how they have looked, that the Los Angeles Lakers came into the NBA season with championship aspirations. Just making the postseason at this point would be an accomplishment as this ship is sinking fast.

LeBron James continues to play at an elite level, but the team needs a lot more than that to be competitive with the current landscape of the NBA. Carmelo Anthony has been solid all season as well, and Malik Monk has had his flashes, but overall, this team isn’t as good as some thought it would be.

Some of that can be attributed to Anthony Davis being sidelined, again, with an injury. He badly sprained his foot on February 16th against the Utah Jazz and was given a four-week timetable before he was to be re-evaluated.

Getting him back in the lineup will certainly help. Despite his lackluster shooting numbers, he is still a player that helps the team win games and takes the pressure off of James. But, it is fair to question if even his return will be enough for Los Angeles this season.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Personnel Believe Lakers Should Trade LeBron James, Anthony Davis

The short answer is no. While they have had to constantly shuffle lineups all season, there have been no real signs of this team being able to turn things around and have sustained success. Lack of chemistry and cohesion can be blamed, but this has been a tumultuous season for every team in the NBA as there was a record number of players to appear in games.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest issue is that their roster is mismatched and a poor fit. They took a gamble acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards and it did not pay off. Now, they are reaping what they sow.

There is only so much a front office can do in-season, but not making a move ahead of the deadline was as much an indication as anything of where the franchise currently is. The Lakers lacked assets to build trade packages around that would entice other teams to make a deal and they were shut out on the trade market.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Personnel Believe Lakers Should Trade LeBron James, Anthony Davis

The buyout market would provide another opportunity to improve the roster, but it is hard to imagine Los Angeles being successful there. Veterans who are released are looking to latch onto teams they can win a title with. The Lakers are not currently that team.

Some big moves will have to be made this offseason if they want to get back on tier with the other contending teams in the league. Following a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, James flat out said they aren’t on the same level.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Personnel Believe Lakers Should Trade LeBron James, Anthony Davis

Getting back to that level is easier said than done. For the Los Angeles Lakers, it will take some big breaks and luck as they likely need to find a taker for Russell Westbrook and could consider trading Anthony Davis. Parting ways with Davis may be the only way for the franchise to restock the draft capital and talent on the roster that would put them on track to being winners again.

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