The Los Angeles Lakers have been absolutely ravaged by injuries this year. After getting relatively lucky last season, it’s been one disaster after another for the defending champs.
Davis has been out since Valentine’s Day. James has been gone nearly two weeks. And the Lakers have struggled without them.
LA is 4-6 in its last 10 outings and currently finds itself fifth in the Western Conference. The sixth place Portland Trail Blazers are only 1.5 games behind them.
Fortunately, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.
Two things happened on Thursday that indicate a change of fortunes is coming.
The first was a very optimistic post by James on social media.
View this post on Instagram
The second was Lakers backup Jared Dudley offering some insight on when the team expects its two stars back.
“Whatever you need to know, I got you.” @JaredDudley619 joins @RealAClifton, @geeter3 & @Mike_Bresnahan to give you all the insider info on the latest #LakeShowPodcast.
Listen to the new full episode: https://t.co/Jmu8AXbcz8 pic.twitter.com/62JIAOmRmn
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 8, 2021
“AD is coming along, he’s on the court and doing definitely his little workouts, his calves,” Dudley said.
“I’m in the weight room with him. He’s gonna be getting on the floor more this week, he’s gonna do about 30 minutes non-stop. He’s gonna get to playing here shortly and so give him a couple more weeks.”
James is similarly making progress.
“‘Bron just got out of the boot, he’s moving forward,” Dudley added.
“And Drummond is back, so listen, within the next 3-4 weeks we’re gonna have everybody back and then we’re rolling.”
Just give LaMelo Rookie of the Year now. https://t.co/jyuEfUi2x4
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 8, 2021
This has been a rough week for the franchise. A former player was caught on camera assaulting his girlfriend. Multiple players were suspended after an ugly in-game altercation. Plainly said – some good news was needed.
Fortunately, the defending champs just got it in the form of this positive prognosis for their biggest stars.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
