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Skip Bayless blasted LeBron James and Anthony Davis for concerns regarding their availability and used Michael Jordan's streak of playing 82 games as an example. James and Davis have struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, contributing to the Lakers' downfall.
Bayless grabbed the opportunity to call the Lakers superstar duo out after Davis exited the team's 116-102 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter on Tuesday due to a non-Covid illness. The renowned TV analyst took to Twitter, saying:
"Hey, AD and LeBron: Would you believe Michael Jordan played all 82 games nine times? He also played 81 one season and 80 another. Doesn't that make you guys feel just a little bit ashamed, maybe even a little weak?"
Bayless has been one of the harshest critics of the Lakers, especially LeBron James. His comments didn't come as a surprise, especially with him using Jordan's example to prove his point that the Bulls' legend tops LeBron in the "greatest of all-time" conversation. However, Bayless' criticism may not fit the context of James and Davis.
They have been unavailable. But at 35+, James wasn't going to prevent soft tissue injuries. Meanwhile, Davis suffered multiple impact injuries last season and has stayed relatively healthy this season. AD has missed only three games so far (he played eight minutes against the Cavs), which is respectable considering his history and the fact that he is playing as a center.
Additionally, with the pace at which the game is played today, it's tough for any player to go through an entire season without sustaining injuries. That wasn't the case back in the day when players appearing in 82 games throughout the season was a frequent occurrence.
LA Lakers must find a way to win games without LeBron James and Anthony Davis
The LA Lakers have been top-heavy since acquiring LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They have relied on their superstar duo to win games consistently. The trend hasn't changed since they joined forces in 2019.
The Lakers' roster isn't constructed well enough to secure wins without their superstars. The situation is worse this season. LA doesn't have many scoring options outside of James and Davis. Meanwhile, the team struggles to do well defensively when AD is not available.
The Lakers were exploited again defensively after Davis left Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers due to a non-Covid illness. He played only eight minutes. Donovan Mitchell's 43-point effort secured a 116-102 win for the Cavs. Mitchell scored 17 points in the final 12 minutes to seal the win.
LA conceded a whopping 70 points in the paint. Anthony Davis' presence could've limited that and made the difference for the Purple and Gold as the Cavs struggled from deep (7 of 27).
The Lakers also struggled from long range (6 of 36). Davis' presence could've helped the perimeter shooters get better looks due to the defensive attention he demands when he is in the paint.
The LA Lakers will have to figure out how to secure wins without LeBron James and Anthony Davis if they are to seal a playoff berth and do well in the postseason. Given their injury history, it is tough to imagine James and Davis playing at a high level on a nightly basis.
Their health remains vital for LA's success in the postseason, so the rest of the group must step up before the front office seeks outside help through trades in the near future.
