3 burning questions for the Los Angeles Lakers down the stretch
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
It goes without saying that the 2021-22 season has not gone according to plan for the Los Angeles Lakers thus far. With a 28-35 overall record, the Lakers are currently sitting in ninth place in the jam-packed Western Conference standings and are just one game out of 10th.
As they are in danger of potentially missing the play-in tournament and playoffs entirely, here are three questions for the Los Angeles Lakers that must be answered down the final stretch of the regular season.
1. Can the Los Angeles Lakers get healthy down the stretch?
Health has been the most prominent issue for the Lakers all season and the biggest reason for the team’s shortcomings.
These injuries woes start with Anthony Davis, who has played in just 37 of LA’s 63 games due to a handful of injuries. Davis missed 17 games earlier in the season with a sprained knee and was just sidelined once again with a mid-foot sprain that will keep him out of the lineup for several weeks.
The Lakers have justifiably struggled without their second-best player available for a large chunk of the year, and they desperately need him back if they hope to find a groove down the stretch. Davis is undeniably one of the best players in the league, and the presence he provides on both sides of the ball is something the Lakers have missed dearly.
Another massive question mark revolves around Kendrick Nunn, who has not suited up for LA in a game thus far since coming aboard in free agency. Nunn is currently dealing with a bone bruise in his knee.
While there was previously optimism that Nunn would hit the floor for the Lakers at some point this season, it is now March and LA coach Frank Vogel told reporters that he is now unsure of a potential timetable for Nunn to make his debut. The guard was viewed as a massive addition in free agency, and the Lakers undoubtedly wish that they had him right now.
Getting healthy would work wonders for the Lakers. While Nunn is an unknown enigma, it seems incredibly likely that Davis will return at some point this season. However, the big man has battled with injuries all year long, and the team will not rush him back. For now, LA can only sit and wonder if they will get healthy as the regular season winds down.
