The Lakers went into the current season as NBA Champions, following an incredible season last year and expectations were that they could produce something similar this season. A list of online bookmakers was also offering odds on this taking place, with the Lakers starting as the favourites to defend their title. They have since drifted slightly but remain the second favourites at present behind the Brooklyn Nets but are now in much stronger form, following the return of the two key players in the side.
The Lakers have been in very stuttering form for the last few months, and this is due to the injuries of key players in Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Each have been the key drivers of the success of the side most recently and led the side to the NBA Championship last season. Without the pair, it has been a completely different side and led to this slump in form and dropping down the table with a poor run of results.
Anthony Davis returned first, and his impact has been great, and we have really now seen this in recent weeks, with the side now on a winning run of five matches, since the close defeat away at the Trail Blazers. This run started with a 123-110 victory over the Suns, which also saw Anthony Davis score an incredible 42 points in the process at the Staples Center. This shows the impact he makes for the side and then he followed this up with a further 20 points in the following match, with the side winning 101-99 in a close encounter against the New York Knicks.
Next up for the Lakers saw them take on the Houston Rockets. It resulted in another very close match, with the side winning 124-122, despite both Davis and James before not playing in the match. The pair then returned the following match and led for the side in the important 122-115 victory over the Pacers. This saw Anthony Davis score 28 points, with LeBron James getting a further 24 on the board for the side.
The Lakers then made it five victories in succession, with a 110-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. It was another important victory for the Lakers, with James leading the way with 25 points, with Davis getting a further 14. The pair have made such a positive impact since returning and could they now help lead the side to the NBA Championship and defending their title?
Five straight Ws heading into Wednesday. #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/ov4jX7Qkcz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 17, 2021
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