From the outset, it was apparent to everyone outside of the Los Angeles Lakers organization that the Russell Westbrook acquisition would never work out in LA.
To say Russ has been an awkward fit while looking like a shell of himself would be an understatement. In addition to putting together a poorly constructed roster, health has been a big issue in Laker Land. Seemingly with each passing game, it feels like the Los Angeles Lakers’ title hopes get bleaker and bleaker.
Injuries have taken their toll on the Los Angeles Lakers, and with the most recent injury to Anthony Davis, their season may very well be over
As per usual, Anthony Davis has missed significant time this season, plagued by multiple injuries. On Wednesday night, he sprained his ankle in the first half against the Utah Jazz in the Lakers’ last game before the All-Star break.
Anthony Davis had to be carried off the court after an apparent ankle injury.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 17, 2022
Prayers up 🙏 pic.twitter.com/6My5gqXYnb
Once an early-season favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year, Carmelo Anthony has already missed eight games, including the last five with a hamstring injury.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last three seasons, it’s not even that LeBron can escape father time. Yes, he’s 37 years old and still playing at an elite level (on most nights), but he isn’t the well-oiled machine that seemed to be immune to severe injuries.
The 18-time All-Star has already missed 17 games and has been a game-time decision for the better part of the season. Whether it is his groin, an ankle, a knee, or a mysterious abdominal injury, LeBron’s age is starting to catch up to him. Like most athletes with a lot of “wear and tear,” his body is beginning to slowly give out on him.
It’s evident that LeBron can no longer do it all by himself and carry a team to the promised land, especially in a tough Western Conference. Since joining the Lakers, LeBron has missed the playoffs for the first time since his second year in the league and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Despite King James averaging 29.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 36.8 minutes per game, the Lakers are four games under .500 heading into All-Star Weekend. Now, Los Angeles will be without their second-best player for the foreseeable future.
With 17 of their final 24 games coming against teams poised to make the postseason (including two games each against the Pheonix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and the Denver Nuggets), it may be time for the Lakers to start planning their summer vacations.