Anthony Davis could be sidelined when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of their first-round series matchup. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has acknowledged that this puts his team at a disadvantage, but he was also quick to point out a LeBron James-sized silver lining here.
Coach Vogel took a quick stroll down memory lane as he looked back at his time as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers facing off against LeBron and his Miami Heat:
“When I competed against the Miami Heat and either [Dwyane] Wade or [Chris] Bosh were out, (that meant) more touches for ‘Bron,” said Vogel, via Robert Marvi of Heat Nation. “That wasn’t necessarily a good thing for my Pacers teams. So it’s just gonna be more opportunity for ‘Bron and obviously, we need more guys to step up.”
Fair point from Vogel here. Without AD, the Lakers will have no choice but to rely heavily on LeBron in Game 5 (and perhaps beyond?). This might not bode well for the Suns, who will need to do everything in their power to try and stop a determined LeBron James.
It is worth noting, however, that LeBron is not one hundred percent right now. The Lakers superstar is also dealing with a number of injuries and a higher usage could also pose a more significant injury risk for James. Nonetheless, the defending champs have no other option right now, and LeBron will need to be at his very best as they look to reestablish their advantage over the Suns.
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