LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers had a difficult start to the season. Now as the regular season comes to an end and the knockout stages are fast approaching, LA needs to prepare for its toughest challenge yet. So far, they have been anchored by a singular force known as Anthony Davis, and to everyone’s surprise, the 2020 NBA Champion was able to bring in some key wins in Bron’s absence to help them reach the 7th seed.
Putting aside LeBron James, AD received a lot of backlashes this season as he repeatedly injured himself. With his consistent injury scares, the Lakers fan base and critics were convinced that keeping him would only damage their title hopes. But when Davis is healthy, the Lakers are a playoff contender. He also plays like an MVP or a defensive player of the year at times.
The Phoenix Suns are coming off a seven-game win streak and are 5-0 with Kevin Durant on the roster. Phoenix is very scary when it comes to having all the right pieces. KD has championship experience, Devin Booker can lead the offense and Chris Paul has veteran leadership within him. Defensively, there are no questions asked as Deandre Ayton, Josh Okogie and the others make up for it.
LeBron James is listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns game tonight
Unfortunately, Lakers fans will have to wait for a while longer before LeBron James returns to the court once again. The King has been out for over a month due to a foot injury. He is listed as questionable in the Lakers’ injury report, according to Mark Medina of the NBA.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury) and LeBron James (right foot soreness) are questionable, while D’Angelo Russell (left foot soreness) is probable
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 7, 2023
Anthony Davis is also listed at probable, which is a little concerning for the Lakers after all. He has been a vital member of the squad during LeBron’s absence. Besides him, the team only has a bunch of players like Dennis Schröder and Lonnie Walker IV to anchor the offense and defense.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- D’Angelo Russell (Questionable)
- LeBron James (Questionable)
- Anthony Davis (Probable)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out)
Los Angeles Lakers expected roster
- Dennis Schröder
- Austin Reaves
- Lonnie Walker IV
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Rui Hachimura
Phoenix Suns injury report:
- Devin Booker (Day to Day – Rest)
- Kevin Durant (Day to Day – Rest)
- Deandre Ayton (Day to Day – Rest)
- Chris Paul (Day to Day – Rest)
- T.J. Warren (Out)
Phoenix Suns expected roster:
- Cameron Payne
- Terrence Ross
- Josh Okogie
- Torrey Craig
- Bismack Biyombo
The Phoenix Suns are definitely in the safe zone already having a playoff spot clinched. Win or lose, the result will not matter too much to the team. Monty Williams might be in a mindset of getting his players well rested before the intensive playoff training starts. Either way, their backup roster also has enough power to pull off a victory with their big four.
Can the Los Angeles Lakers win without Anthony Davis?
They have a decent chance of winning against the Suns tonight. If the Suns in fact choose to rest all of four core members, the Lakers have enough pieces to help pull off a victory. However, the likelihood of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker playing is still there.
A loss would certainly damage their record but won’t necessarily push them out of the play-in tournament race. The New Orleans Pelicans are tied in wins and losses with the Lakers. LA still have to stay one step ahead of time as their main goal is to get healthy and in shape for the play-in run.
During their previous run-in, the Phoenix Suns took a really hard hit offensively. Despite Booker scoring his usual 30+ points, it seemed as though the Lakers knew how to respond back at them. The Suns’ biggest issue that night were turnovers. LA won 122-111 and AD was present on the roster.