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ESPN analyst and former NBA player Jalen Rose claimed that the LA Lakers won’t be able to live down missing the playoffs.
The Lakers’ poor season looked set to result in them missing out on the Playoffs entirely. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have had consistent injury issues and the team has only recently managed to gain some momentum.
They lost their first fixture against the Bulls but rallied back in the return match with a 121-110 victory. The game saw a dominating display from Anthony Davis who produced 38 points and 10 rebounds, while LeBron also tasted his first victory since returning from a lengthy layoff.
The LA Lakers are now 8th with a 38-38 record but still need to produce victories to ensure direct playoff qualification, and with both Anthony Davis and LeBron James now healthy and firing, that shouldn't be a big problem.
Jalen Rose believes that the Lakers will not be able to live down potentially missing qualification despite having their two biggest stars healthy and firing. He said:
“The Western Conference has the gentleman that is in conversation for the greatest player of all time, who has also just broke the scoring record, but he is not getting any younger. The Los Angeles Lakers. With Anthony Davis and LeBron James both healthy, and they miss the Playoffs? They won’t be able to live that down.”
With LeBron James back, LA Lakers can still salvage the season
The way some of the recent LA Lakers victories have come should excite fans. Not only has the team been highly efficient with shooting, they have also defended well as a unit and have good quality in depth with all their stars fit.
D’Angelo Russell recently missed a game and can improve his overall numbers, but he is only one of several offensive weapons that the Lakers possess. Despite some setbacks in recent weeks, the team has been performing well lately, and their recent win against the Bulls was proof of their resurgence.
Key players like Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley have been contributing to the team's success. Davis, in particular, has been playing well, averaging 26 points this month and shooting 58% from the floor.
Meanwhile, LeBron James has been recovering from a foot injury, but his return to the starting lineup has been promising.
The Lakers have a strong lineup and multiple ballhandlers, making it difficult for opposing teams to defend them. Fans will be hoping that they can continue to improve and that their aging stars can maintain their fitness till the end of the season.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
