If the LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers want to win another ring, they need to have their key players healthy. The thing is, All-Star big man Anthony Davis’s back isn’t 100 percent, which could be a cause for concern ahead of their showdown against the Denver Nuggets.
Before facing the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets , the Lakers had to overcome the New Orleans Pelicans via a 110-106 win. Even though the King is turning 40 this year, James still plays at a high level when he dropped 23 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and two blocks against NOLA. Anthony Davis made 20 points and 15 rebounds, while D’Angelo Russell poured 21 points and six assists.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, saw Zion Williamson post a monster game of 40 points on 63 percent shooting from the field, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Reserve players Trey Murphy III added 12 points and Larry Nance Jr. made 10 points and 12 rebounds in a game that didn’t see much help come from Williamson’s teammates when it came to scoring.
The win helped Los Angeles secure a playoff spot against the Nuggets in the first round. Meanwhile, the loss will force the Pels to get a win against the Sacramento Kings to make the postseason and face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Big Man Anthony Davis Reveals Health Status Ahead of Showdown Against Denver Nuggets
As compared to his recent games, Davis wasn’t as dominant on both ends of the court. According to a tweet by Jovan Buha on X, the Lakers star wasn’t completely healthy in their game against NOLA:
“Anthony Davis said he was affected by his back spasms in tonight’s game. He thinks it affected his ability to make shots around the basket and move in general. However, he said he expects to be 100% by Game 1 in Denver on Saturday,” Buha tweeted.
This season has been a good one for Davis since the Los Angeles star played 76 games, the most since his 2016-17 run with the Pelicans. Even if that’s the case, there’ still the risk his body will fail, especially against a dangerous team like the Nuggets.
The two teams are scheduled to meet on April 21, which would give Davis enough time to rest. By then, it’ll be known whether he and the Lakers are up to the challenge of beating Denver.
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