LeBron James is still dealing with the effects of a high-ankle sprain, but it’s becoming less obvious in his on-court performance, writes Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. James had 21 points and nine assists Thursday night and even threw down a vintage dunk in the third quarter as the Lakers took control of their series with the Suns by posting a double-digit win in Game 3.
James, who aggravated the ankle injury a couple of times since originally hurting it in March, admits he needs “round-the-clock treatment” to be able to play.
“Obviously it’s been a rough year on me as far as physically with my ankle and dealing with that and still trying to get it where it was before the injury,” he said. “But every day is a step forward.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Anthony Davis may have hyper-extended his left knee while trying to block a shot in the second quarter, Goon adds. Coach Frank Vogel considered taking Davis out of the game in the second half, but the medical staff said it was safe for him to keep playing, even though it was painful. “Just keeping it warm, keeping it loose and wanted to keep going,” Davis told Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “It felt fine throughout the rest of the game. Really didn’t have any problems with it. … It was all full of adrenaline, so we’ll see how I feel tomorrow. Get some treatment and get some treatment Saturday and be ready to go Sunday.”
- Jason Kidd is in his second season as a Lakers assistant, and he tells Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that hopes to become a head coach again some day. Kidd compiled a 183-190 record with three playoff appearances in five seasons with the Nets and Bucks. “I would love to have another opportunity at it,” Kidd said. “Being here with Frank, understanding his strengths and watching him and how he handles different situations, is a big key that I’ve learned. Patience, communication is really key to understanding where everybody stands. Not just your top players, but the end of the bench.”
- Jovan Buha of The Athletic examines the Lakers’ three-point shooting, which he says is becoming an X-factor for the team in the postseason.
Suns have any chance in this series? Or does everyone think Lakers will run away with it now?
Depends on health of LBJ and AD. If AD did hyper extend the knee and is limited or out, then the suns have a good chance.
If both teams stay healthy, Lakers win in 6.
Saying the Suns have any scenario where there is a “good chance” is pure delusion. Did you watch last night’s game? They are a frustrated young team who can’t keep their composure.
Lakers in 5. Suns are cooked. Cp3 looks like a shell of himself and without him balling the lakers will do more of what they did last night. Too big and good defensively and on glass for suns. Lakers are actually the 2 seed and suns are the 7th seed everyone knows this.
If the Lakers play like they have in the second half the last few games, Suns don’t have a chance. That’s a big IF. They have a tendency to not play hard when they are ahead, and that could’ve bit them last night if the Suns kept their cool.
Only Payne looks confident. Bridges looks busy with LJ
Suns need to make shots. Nothing was going in last night and it wasn’t all Lakers D. Need Booker to make some 3s. Ayton played pretty well I thought.
If Paul can’t play at a high level by game 4 I think it’s done. So yes I think it’s done.
To be fair to Phoenix, Paul was their best player this year and he’s now playing with one arm, and it’s not even his strong arm. Not much they can do about that.
But LeBron looks about 60% right now. Lakers will need him to be closer to 90% if they want to get past the next round, IMO.
There are no ifs
My original prediction
Lakers in 6
Mavs in 6
Jazz in 6
Blazers in 7
no for 4
I think you are right Sillivan, I could see the Suns snagging one more but Lakers in 6 sounds about right
The battle of LA is Lakers are tigers and Clippers are cats
Tigers?? Cats?? or Dogs and Cats. Never heard the Tigers and Cats thing.
Maybe Davis’ famous growth spurt is to blame for his tendernesses.
I had a friend go from 5-11 to 6-5 while picking up a heavy weed habit and he had to play with sore knees. I always blamed the cannabis.
People growing quickly should take care with diet and drugs. Not that Davis didn’t… IDK
That is silly, tall guys put added stress on joints and body so at 6-5 and with added age that is the most likely cause of it. Almost the entirety of the NBA smokes dope.
stop with the word “Dope”
The Karens on here all already think it is rigged because LeBron was not kicked out of playoffs for a minor violationof protocols, eventhough Porzingus went to a strip club and he wasn’t suspended either and most of the league is vaxed. You know you are the Goat when the only way to keep you out finals your critics have to hope for suspension or injury.. I am sticking with my prediction at start of year Lakers over the Sixers in 7.
Now that is funny because LeBron had to walking over Green to get him a technical and be put out of a game 6. We all know LeBron did that on purpose just like his continue flops. LeBron legacy gets tarnished by the way he acts on court.
Always from a Warrior fan lol. Yeah LeBrons legacy is tarnished while Steph can’t do anything without KD for 6 seasons now.
I’d argue that flopping is a part of his legacy. Doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. The greats find a way to win.
I just wish he wouldn’t do it. He needs to just play the game and let his talent win the game. That is why people do not like Lebron he flops all the time and argues with the refs. Same reason people hate Green he argues with the refs too much. Just play the game.
That is not what I said. I was pointing out the double standard by the comment above. LeBron did the same to get Green suspended so is there a difference. So why is it OK to get Green suspended but not LeBron. Steph won a championship without KD. Why can’t Lebron win a championship without AD?
LeBron at least has a Finals MVP
So what he’s saying is Lebron is not hurt at all, so its LieBron James more like it. What a loser that guy is. MJ, Kobe and Steph would never have the media tailor completely bogus narratives to make them look better. Bush league stuff from LieBron, as usual.
Close your eyes. Now think of Lebron’s “crying to the refs” face. Got it? We all know what it looks like. Now think about MJ doing that face – you can’t, because he never did, but Lebum does it on EVERY PLAY.
“Its been a rough year” always playing the victim, always playing the phony underdog, like a coward. Late career Lebron is seriously so bad you guys. Lakers deserve better.
You’re not even a good troll. He said “everyday I feel better” but sure that means faking an injury. What happened to your tin foil hat theory of setting up an excuse for an early exit? LOL LeBron is carving up the 2 seed for breakfast.
Man you didn’t much Jordan did you
He was the most catered too player that’s ever played basketball by the refs
In all fairness there are many players that are catered to by the refs. There is the thing of home town calls and super star calls in the NBA. Its the NBA fault for not calling Ts on players for faking fouls.