When LeBron James went down with a foot injury earlier this month, many experts were ready to call it a wrap on the Lakers’ season.
But, so far, the Lakers have held their own without King James thanks to big performances from Anthony Davis, Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves, and others. Of course, as announced by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers will also be getting back one of their own for tomorrow’s game against the Toronto Raptors: All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell.
Darvin Ham says the team expects to have D’Angelo Russell back tomorrow and starting. Dennis Schroder off the bench.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 9, 2023
Russell has missed several games after tweaking his ankle earlier this season. It was a pretty significant blow for the Lakers at the time, who were finally starting to hit a groove with their new-look roster.
In 4 games for the Purple and Gold, the former All-Star is averaging 13.5 points, 5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Clearly, D’Lo hasn’t quite finished acclimating himself back to the Lakers’ system, but the team will need him healthy if they want to beat the odds and make a deep playoff run this season.
Can Lakers Secure A Playoff Spot?
At 32-34, the Purple and Gold have nearly pulled themselves back to an even record after an abysmal start to the season. Thanks to their new acquisitions and the combined strength of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, L.A. continues to loom as a potential threat if they can stay healthy.
As the 9th seed in the West right now, L.A. would have to beat teams in the play-in to sneak into the bracket, but there is confidence throughout the team that they can make some serious noise.
“The goal was from the beginning of the season, to make the playoffs,” Dennis Schroder said. “And I think everybody in this locker room believes it, I believe it 200%, and I mean, we’re going to make the playoffs.”
Only time will tell how all of this plays out for L.A., but if they don’t get it done this season, they will surely be a team to watch next season with LeBron, AD, a revamped supporting cast, and a clean slate.
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