Lakers stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James were told to skip Friday morning’s shootaround, but the health issues for both players appear to be easing up, writes Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. Coach Darvin Ham plans to have Davis and James in the lineup for both games of the back-to-back Sunday and Monday against the Cavaliers and Jazz.
Davis played nearly 35 minutes Friday despite a lingering back issue that has already caused him to miss a game. He said it felt “pretty good,” and the Lakers believe he’s not risking further damage by playing. James saw 34 minutes of action Friday despite a stomach virus that has been bothering him all week.
“I lost my rhythm when I kinda got this bug,” he said. “Not only the threes, but a couple of layups have been short around the rim. Just feel like my rhythm has been off. Haven’t had an opportunity to get on the practice floor because I’ve been kinda told – not just told to stay away but advised to stay away to save my energy for the games.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Kyrie Irving‘s latest controversy is a reminder that the Lakers were fortunate not to get him when they were shopping Russell Westbrook, contends Mirjam Swanson of The Orange County Register. She points out that Westbrook is doing everything the coaches have asked, including adapting to a bench role, while Irving continues to destroy the Nets‘ culture.
- Clippers guard John Wall bounced back strong on Friday night after his revenge game in Houston fizzled out, per Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times. Wall admits to being angry that he only played a season-low 15 minutes against the Rockets, who kept him sidelined for all of last season, but he recognizes that it’s bad for the team if he decides to be selfish. “I knew I had to get back to being myself, being the guy this team needs if I’m playing 15 or 24 minutes,” Wall said. “It is what it is. You have to accept that and come with the sacrifice of what this team with different guys got to take and make it on this team.”
- In the wake of Cameron Johnson‘s possible meniscus tear and Jae Crowder‘s continued absence, Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports identifies some possible trade targets for the Suns to consider. He points to the Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma, the Bucks’ Grayson Allen, the Celtics’ Derrick White, the Raptors’ Thaddeus Young, the Clippers’ Nicolas Batum, the Spurs’ Josh Richardson and Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as players who might be available in a Crowder deal.
It’s only 8 games but LeBron FG% and 3PT% are way low. Could be a of decline coming
LeBron James numbers are the worst they ever been in his career. From a efficiency standpoint but he’s going to be alright. In year 20 we have to expect him to fall down some but not fall off. He’s going to be alright as the season goes on. It’s still 74 games to go so he’ll be fine.
Michael Jordan didn’t have to play 20 seasons .. he accomplished so much more in a shorter window
Goku, you’re right. Michael Jordan couldn’t stand the rigors and the punishment of the day-to-day NBA life as long as LeBron James could. And it wasn’t because of lack of desire. Jordan came back and played as an old guy so if he was able he would have played till 45 I’m sure. He just was not able like Lebron.
What I do not get people think LeBron can still play at a elite level. He is way past his prime so of course he can’t play at the level he once could. His defense is no where what it used to be. His offense now is a midrange shooter instead of inside shooter. He is still a good player but not a top 10 player.
Looking at last year – points, fg% he was in top 20. So yeah, while not a top 10, he is still in the conversation for the leagues elite.
LeBron’s numbers would go up if Ham didn’t over play him so much. He should be at 30 to 32 minutes a game. He is playing over 36 minutes a game. With AD bad back its going to be another long season for the Lakers. Lebron can’t carry the entire team on his back.
Jordan>LeBron ainec
Again, yes overall absolutely. But we’re talking about playing at 38 and LeBron is really playing at a high level at this age compared to anyone else and yes even Michael jordan.
The amazing thing with LeBron is the “lack” of decline. Of course his FG% and 3pt will be lower. No shooters on floor. Lane is clogged, and is forced to play more of a perimeter game than he would like to.
It is a very smart idea of trading Crowder for Kyle Kuzma or Lauri Markkanen
Only issue is that Crowder has little value for Wizards or Jazz.
none of your trade ideas are ever smart
Who is the bigger grease fire the Lakers, Nets or the Knicks?
The Nets, and that contest isn’t even close. They’re as dysfunctional as they are unlikable.
Brooklyn’s “grease fire” flamed out completely with the added “gas” of Kyrie and Ben Simmons not playing. They looked like a “team” for the first time this year on the court. KD was off the charts, and they rallied behind him. The bench was completely engaged with the game.
Perhaps Brooklyn just needs to leave the “gas” at home???
Definitely the Nets.
If the measure is wins at the end of the season, then I’d bet the Lakers finish with the least wins. Its a long season, when the injury bug bites, it bites hard usually, and the Lakers don’t appear to be a team that is going to win much with injured starters
Rightfully so, Optimus Dime must be very angry with HOU for not allowing him to play & make him lose a year of his career, for stuff like that teams should be penalized, it is outrageously awful to deal with people like that, utterly disgusting!
It’s funny to see the Suns homer sportswriter throwing out other teams’ starters as “possible” trades for Crowder. Why would any of the teams mentioned make such a bad deal?
None of them would be a one-for-one trade. Draft picks or other players would be involved, and some scenarios have it stretched out to the trade deadline. I’m not saying any of them are likely to happen, but before asking the question maybe do the minimum amount of research (click the link and skim the article).
El Don Always Wrong, you could look at it two ways. He preserved a year of his career and took time to strengthen up, get healthy, rehab any injuries, and come back strong through training and work for a year.
Plus he got paid his entire salary !! What’s the complaint about? It was all for HIS benefit really if you look at it the right way.
Let me guess he restrict you from replying to him. He does that to everyone because he ONLY wants his opinion shown. Yes why complain about him when his play would never have mattered last year for the Rockets.