It’s been anything but any easy run for the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers lately.
They’ve suffered through an array of injuries — none bigger than the ones to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis (and recently, Kyle Kuzma). They’ve also hit the road, playing a string of games against Eastern Conference opponents.
But the Lakers have been battling with what they have, dropping a close on at the Miami in a Finals rematch Thursday. It’s given them confidence and experience, knowing that James and Davis will be back soon.
“I think it’s gonna be fun,” center Andre Drummond, who just recently returned from a toe injury, told reporters. “I think we’re gonna be fine. Just getting guys back, getting guys back healthy and we’ll be fine.”
Drummond finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds vs. the Heat. His presence was clear.
The Lakers (32-20) were already in good shape. But with Drummond soon to be joined by James and Davis, another deep playoff run looks to be in the cards.
More out of LA
- Shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 28 in the loss to the Heat, and agreed with Drummond’s sentiments about what the Lakers will look like once everyone is back. “It’s not much time to think about it, but when you do think about it, it looks scary,” he said. “So, it’s going to be hard to beat us, like when them guys come back.”
- Coach Frank Vogel was particularly impressed with KCP’s performance. “He’s answering the bell: I’m asking him to be super aggressive, looking to score,” Vogel said. “I actually literally asked him to score 25 (on Thursday). Until that last 3 he had exactly 25 points and ended up with 28. We want him to be that aggressive again.”
- Thursday’s game also marked the first full game for shooting guard Ben McLemore, waived by the Houston Rockets late last week. McLemore tallied six points, and should be another weapon for LeBron to find on the perimeter when the time comes.
