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LeBron James is probable for Monday night's Game 2 between the LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets. James is likely to play, though. He carried the same status and suited up for Saturday's series opener. With the Lakers dropping Game 1 114-103 despite James' 27 points, six rebounds and eight assists, he is unlikely to miss time even if he plays through a niggle.
The Lakers again seem outmatched, and their only chance to end the nine-game skid against Denver rests in James' hands. The Lakers need a miraculous outing from him to compensate for the role players' inconsistency in this matchup. James managed that in the first half of Saturday's contest, giving LA a 12-point lead.
However, that needs to be done over 48 minutes to ensure the Lakers have a shot in this series with at least one road win to level the playing field before Game 3 in LA.
What happened to LeBron James?
LeBron James is on the LA Lakers' injury report because of a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy issue. He's dealt with it since Jan. 4. It has accounted for majority of his 11 missed games this season. James also endured an elbow injury in Saturday's Game 1 after a collision with Aaron Gordon.
LeBron James seemed to be in unbearable pain after slamming his hand hard on the floor. However, that was a one-and-done stinger. The Lakers will be glad he isn't dealing with an additional issue while looking after his ankle.
How to watch LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Game 2?
TNT and TruTV bagged the rights to broadcast Monday's LA Lakers-Denver Nuggets Game 2 contest at Ball Arena. Meanwhile, Spectrum SportsNet and Altitude will provide coverage in local areas. Fans outside the US can watch the game online via NBA League Pass. Tipoff is at 10 PM EDT (8 PM MT and 7 PM PT).
The Nuggets are -295 favorites to go up 2-0 with a -7.5 spread. They proved the Lakers are outmatched again with their clinical execution, especially in the second half of Game 1. The Nuggets outscored the Lakers 57-43 in that stretch, shooting 49.0%, including 9 of 19 from 3, while holding LeBron James and Co. to 41.7% shooting and 4 of 16 from 3.
Unless the Lakers can consistently generate plays like Denver in every quarter, they are unlikely to snap the nine-game losing streak. However, that's been an issue for LA all season. That didn't hinder them against many .500 and above opponents this year, but the Nuggets are too disciplined to commit such mistakes against.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
