The Los Angeles Lakers are playing against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, the second in a pair of back-to-back games.
Fans of the team should expect the worst.
The Lakers say that Anthony Davis (flu) and LeBron James (ankle) are out tonight in Toronto. And Patrick Beverley is doubtful. pic.twitter.com/dBkmduFbA9
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 7, 2022
The Lakers announced that both Anthony Davis and LeBron James will be sitting out against the Raptors due to a non-COVID illness and left ankle soreness respectively.
Meanwhile, Patrick Beverley is doubtful for the game, although that obviously isn’t going to be nearly as consequential.
What are the chances that the Lakers can pull out a win without these two monumental players?
Lakers Losing Their Leaders
Not having James on the court is always bad news for the Lakers, who are built around him and his ability and leadership.
But not having Davis is even worse right now, as he is in the midst of a resurgent and amazing season.
Other guys will try to pick it up and lead the team.
But can Austin Reaves, Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker, and Russell Westbrook defeat the Raptors?
Right now, Toronto is 8th in the East with a 12-12 record and they are hoping to make easy work of LA and push ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Lakers’ current road trip got off to a good start with a huge victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and then another against the Washington Wizards.
But they were then defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, partly because Davis sat out most of the game with the flu.
And now he’s taking another game off and James is joining him, which will decrease the team’s chance of victory.
The remaining Lakers will surely play hard and could impress but few people think they can beat the Raptors.
NEXT: The Lakers Lost Their Valued Big Man Again