The Los Angeles Lakers have been without LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the past 11 games. Over that span, they are 5-6 and have dropped to fifth in the Western Conference. With the playoffs approaching, the Lakers need to get healthy if they want to repeat as NBA Champions. Fortunately, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Saturday that both star players should return to the court soon.
Sources: Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis could return in 10-14 days, with LeBron James close be… – via @ESPN App https://t.co/RMkGzHBmPp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2021
Let’s examine when Laker fans should expect the two superstars to return to the Lakers’ lineup.
LeBron James
James suffered a high ankle sprain in a game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 20. As a result, has been sidelined for 11 consecutive games. Prior to his injury, James was putting up MVP numbers, averaging 25,4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game.
LeBron James has exited the game and will not return after a "right ankle injury," the Lakers have said.
🎥 @BleacherReportpic.twitter.com/d69kIVGX3W
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 20, 2021
As we reach the two-week mark since the injury, James’ original timetable of four to six weeks seems spot-on as recent reports have suggested another three weeks of recovery. That would put James’ return in late April, although the Lakers may be cautious rushing him back. Look for the King to retake the court May 3 against the Denver Nuggets with a minutes restriction.
Anthony Davis
After suffering a calf strain back in February, Davis has missed the last 25 games for the Lakers. Before he got injured, Davis was averaging 22.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Unlike James, Davis has continued to see his timetable for return pushed back. On the bright side, Wojnarowski suggested the superstar is 10-14 days away from returning.
Davis, who has struggled with Achilles and calf injuries for most of the season, will only return when the Lakers are certain he is 100 percent. Therefore, Davis will likely retake the court closer to James. Look for him to retake the court on April 28 against the Washington Wizards with a minutes restriction.
There’s no telling how quickly James and Davis will return to full form, but there’s no doubt they will be ready come playoff time. Andre Drummond, the Lakers’ new big man, will also take some time to build chemistry with his new team. They won’t get the top seed in the Western Conference, but the full-strength Lakers won’t be fun to face in the first round of the playoffs.
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