The Lakers face a scenario where they could find themselves without Anthony Davis and LeBron James against the Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been very inconsistent to start the 2023-24 season as they have a 5-5 record.
Supposedly there is plenty of depth around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles’ offense has been disappointing.
This leads to the question of whether the Lakers can repeat last season’s success as they advance to the Western Conference Finals.
On Tuesday night, the Lakers have a chance to regain form and win their third straight game when they host the Memphis Grizzlies in a regular season tournament group game.
The Grizzlies have really struggled at the start of the new year, which is why they will do everything they can to get another win this season.
While the Lakers will need their full offensive firepower on Tuesday night, they could find themselves without LeBron and Davis as both players appear on the team’s injury report.
With Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt ruled out, James finds himself on the list of questionable players to play against the Grizzlies due to a left calf injury.
James missed the Lakers’ previous game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to that injury, and head coach Darvin Ham recently told reporters that the team is being cautious with the 21-year veteran, via Michael Corvo from ClutchPoints.
“I don’t think it is anything major, major, but the fact that it caused a lot of discomfort, it’s a sensitive area,” Ham stated.
“Having the time to have him [LeBron James] sit out, manage that, try to get him ready for the next stretch of games beyond this one became the top priority.
” As for Davis, he is more likely to play than LeBron, as the Lakers’ big man is currently listed as probable with a left adductor/hip spasm.
Davis suffered this injury/spasm last week and was forced to miss one game.
He has played in the Lakers’ last two games, recording a double-double in each matchup.
Despite winning their last game without James, the Lakers need the 38-year-old superstar healthy and available in order to find long-term success.
Los Angeles’ offense runs through LeBron and when they need a dunk, he’s always the one to deliver.
Without James or Davis, the Lakers become predictable on offense, giving opponents an advantage on the defensive end of the court.
So far this season, the Lakers’ two stars have accounted for just under 40% of the team’s total scoring and account for the two highest usage rates on the team.
Davis will likely play against Memphis in the Lakers’ second game of the season, but James will likely decide the game.
If LeBron can’t go, Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish and Rui Hachimura will all see their roles increase.
