Ben McLemore: ‘Everybody Knows’ Lakers Would Still Be In Playoffs If Anthony Davis Stayed Healthy
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a first-round loss to the Phoenix Suns, bringing a difficult season to a disappointing end. The Lakers made a number of offseason and mid-season moves meant to improve the roster, including additions like Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Andre Drummond, Ben McLemore and others. However, it didn’t translate through an injury-riddled season.

Anthony Davis and LeBron James both missed significant time with injury, and it always felt like role players would suffer minor injuries — or be entered into the NBA’s health and safety protocols — just as people were getting healthy. Even in that first-round series, the Lakers held a 2-1 lead and were keeping it close in Game 4 when Davis suffered a groin injury that would ultimately end his season.

McLemore, who played a diminished role against the Suns, believes the Lakers would still be playing today had Davis stayed healthy, he said via TMZ Sports:

“I think everybody know that,” McLemore told us out on Rodeo Drive this week. “Great superstar. Everybody knows that.”

While it’s unfair to the Suns, who played a great series, to say that they simply got lucky, it is an interesting thought experiment to wonder what would have happened had Davis not gone down with an injury. Davis had played excellent basketball in Games 2 and 3 of the series and the Lakers looked to be in the driver’s seat.

Regardless, injuries defined the entire 2020-21 Lakers season, so it’s unsurprising that their misfortune stayed with them in the playoffs. The Suns have now already booked their ticket to the Western Conference Finals after sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the second round.

Perhaps that could have been the Lakers. However, it feels almost better for them to get a head-start on resting and healing ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Lakers players felt they had to approve condensed 72-game season

One of the biggest reasons for all of the injuries that affected the Lakers season was the extremely short offseason followed by a massively condensed regular season. However, the Lakers got the sense that it was their only realistic option.

The 72-game season was approved by the Players’ Association fairly, but perhaps some players feel as though they were forced to agree due to a lack of alternatives.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Metta World Peace Declares ‘Lakers Will Be No. 1 at Season’s End’

Another day, another bold declaration by Lakers forward Metta World Peace. On…

Lakers News: Mitch Kupchak Uncertain If Team Will Sign Front Court Player

The Los Angeles Lakers have been unlucky so far this year in regards to injuries, as multiple players have missed time and the season is not yet halfway over…

Jordan Clarkson: ‘I Would Run Through A Wall For Coach Right Now’

The idea that the Los Angeles Lakers young core is playing for and wants to win for their new head coach Luke Walton, isn’t new, but it is recurring, and that consistency is a sign that whatever Walton is doing to bring this group together, it’s working…

Lakers News: LeBron James Describes Offensive Zone In Fourth Quarter Against Clippers

Wednesday was a must-win for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers after a disappointing loss against the Phoenix Suns…