The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off a grueling double-OT win over the Golden State Warriors, received a mix of good news and bad on the injury front. Initial reports sent shivers down fans' spines as both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles) were listed as questionable. However, Coach Darvin Ham offered a glimmer of hope, stating that Davis is likely to play against the Rockets, and hinting at a possible James return depending on how they feel after the game.
This news comes amidst a season plagued by injuries, with James and Davis frequently finding themselves on the injury report. Yet, they've admirably shouldered the load, leading the Lakers to victories. Davis, in particular, dominated with double-doubles in both of their wins against the Rockets. However, his lingering Achilles injury could affect his performance tonight.
Beyond the Rockets clash, a challenging back-to-back looms on Tuesday. Considering the demanding schedule and the duo's heavy workload, it's expected they'll rest for the second leg. Nonetheless, all eyes will be on Coach Ham's final decision after the Rockets game.
The Lakers' starting lineup against the Rockets features D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James (if available). This lineup choice might raise eyebrows, as fans yearn for Jarred Vanderbilt's defensive prowess. However, Coach Ham recently explained his reasoning for sticking with Prince. Prince's offensive versatility, particularly his three-point threat, provides Davis with more breathing room against double and triple teams, allowing him to confidently dish it out to Prince for a long-range shot.
While the Lakers' injury woes are far from over, the latest updates offer a ray of hope. With their roster gradually returning to health and Coach Ham skillfully navigating lineup rotations, the Lakers have won six of their last eight games. The upcoming back-to-back will be a true test of their resilience, but with James and Davis potentially returning soon, the future looks brighter for the Lakers.
