With 13 games left in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers are 9th in the Western Conference. However, as April 20th (playoff commencement) nears, the remaining leg of the season poses significant hurdles for purple and gold. How can the Lakers move ahead of injury issues, something that vetoed their winning chances throughout the year? Can they generate a similar spark to last year’s run, all while changing the course in the Conference Finals? Moreover, can LeBron James, like 2022-23, spearhead the Lakers to the playoffs this season?

LeSean McCoy, one of the top running backs in the NFL, believes that James can propel the Lakers behind his experience. The 2x Super Bowl champ’s remarks come in light of a potential Lakers matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. Although McCoy gives the rising teams their credit, he claims that they lack experience in being in the bigger moments; something James has been doing for over 2 decades.

With LeSean’s take, Ric Bucher debates a contrasting outcome. The Fox Sports analyst claims that the Lakers lack the mettle akin to last year; pointing at their trade deadline turnaround. Moreover, with Karl-Anthony Towns’ return from a meniscus injury at the time of playoffs, Ric believes that the Lakers lack the bodies to bully or dominate the youngsters in Minnesota.

While LeSean McCoy maintained a firm stance on his backing for the Lakers, Joy Taylor, the host, chipped in with a fan-like uncertainty. The host claimed, “I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended early, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it went late either”. With that, Ric presented a different narrative to lift his point home.

Can LeBron James and AD survive the tear of the season?

Highlighting the toll James and Anthony Davis have shouldered for the Lakers this season, Bucher highlights the games played by Davis this season. The Brow’s 65 games so far are the highest since his arrival in LA. Moreover, the analyst then highlights LeBron James’ 13-game hiatus at the end of the season, preparing him for the intense playoff run. With that, Ric argues that Davis and James, despite their abilities, are not in the same place as the previous season.

Alongside playing the most number of games for the Lakers, Davis is also logging the most minutes in the past 6 years. While he is averaging a double-double (with 55% efficiency) on the season, the tiring season has taken a toll on his body. Not only is he constantly tussling with the opponent’s big men, but also covering for the lack of defense of the Lakers’ backcourt.

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Given that, neither James nor Davis can resort to catching a breather in the remaining season. Moreover, their roster demands them to lead the Play-In round, only to embark on the postseason days later.

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