The Los Angeles Lakers sit as the 3rd seed in the Western Conference after 37 games. LeBron James has played at an MVP level averaging 25.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 7.8 apg. Anthony Davis has been injured and the Lakers have managed to stay competitive in the tough western conference. Now the real games begin and the Lakers must be prepared to defend their title.
There are rumors that the Cleveland Cavaliers may buyout Andre Drummond’s contract and make him a free agent. The Lakers are interested in adding another center to pair with Davis and Gasol. Drummond is a rebounding machine, averaging 13.5 rpg this season. He is also an extra body to allow other players to rest down the stretch. The Lakers will improve the bench if they add a player like Drummond before the trade deadline.
The biggest question coming into the second half of the season is Anthony Davis’s health. Davis has missed 14 games due to injury or rest. Anthony Davis’s production has also decreased from last year. Davis is averaging 22.5 ppg this year compared to 26.1 ppg last year. Davis’s free throw percentage has dipped 13% from last year.
Clearly Davis hasn’t played up to his capabilities. The Lakers cannot win the championship without Anthony Davis playing at his best. Hopefully he can heal quickly and get back to dominating games on both ends of the floor.
LeBron James has played all but 1 game so far this season. It’s important to pay attention to how LeBron manages himself down the stretch of the season. The Lakers don’t need the number 1 seed, all they need is to be healthy once the postseason begins. LeBron James will play enough games to get the Lakers the best seed possible and put the team in position to win the championship.
Featured Image: NBA Meraki via Flickr
