The Los Angeles Lakers received some much-needed news heading into their Saturday contest against the Indiana Pacers, as LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder are all available to play.
James suffered a right ankle sprain in late March that sidelined him until the final day of April when he returned to face the Sacramento Kings.
James would play the following match against the Toronto Raptors, but it was apparent the injury still bothered him, saying he’ll never get back to 100%. He missed the last six games where the Lakers have gone 4-2.
Davis missed the game against Houston with a sore adductor on top of the game being the second of a back-to-back, granting the big man with additional rest.
Lakers coach Frank Vogel announces that LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder will all play today’s lunchtime tip in Indianapolis.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 15, 2021
Schroder hasn’t played since May 2 after he was ruled out due to health and safety protocols, so he’d have to miss 10-14 days.
James’ status for tomorrow’s season finale against the New Orleans Pelicans is uncertain, but he and Schroder won’t face a minute restriction today.
LeBron won’t have a minutes restriction today, but they’ll simply “be responsible.” They also haven’t decided if he’ll play in the regular season finale tomorrow (at NOP).
Ditto for Dennis Schroder.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 15, 2021
With the Lakers hopes to avoid the play-in tournament still alive, seeing their triumvirate group return to action at the same time bodes well for their chances to knock off Indiana while finding their chemistry before the playoffs commence.
The trio hasn’t played together for a good stretch since mid-February when Davis initially went down with a calf strain.
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