Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers will have their chance to even things out against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, October 24. They have been waiting for this clash ever since the Nuggets knocked them out last season. It was pretty humiliating since the LA side did not win a single game in the Western Conference Finals. That’s how dominating the Nuggets have been in the conference finals. Last season’s WCF was over in just four games. For the 17-time champions, it was not at all a proud moment. Since then, the NBA has been seeing an intense rivalry growing between the Lakers and the Nuggets.
Mainly because the Nuggets fans started calling their coach, Michael Malone, “The Lakers Daddy.” Moreover, it does not seem that Coach Malone has any problems with his new nickname. Anyhow, the Lakers are desperate for redemption. Mainly, they want to start the season on a winning note. Moreover, the LA side would love to beat the new reigning champions in their first game of the regular season. But their main concern is the fitness of every player. Especially the key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been highly injury-prone in the last few seasons.
LeBron James Says He’s Fully Healthy And Is Eager To Face The Nuggets On Tuesday
Moreover, James sat out last season for almost a month due to a severe tendon injury on his right foot. He sustained this injury last February. Chances are that LeBron James is not entirely healthy, as he’ll be 39 next December. On the other hand, Anthony Davis has never managed to play more than 75 games in a season. Last season, he could not even play 60 games. But if the Lakers want to win the title, these top stars must stay at the peak of their health. Recently, LeBron James gave an important update about his health. The Lakers Reporter, Mike Trudell, mentioned that, as per LBJ, he is ready to face the Nuggets on Tuesday.
LeBron said he feels good physically after playing limited preseason minutes.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 21, 2023
“Worked extremely hard to get (fully healthy). I was able to stick with the plan. I felt pretty good in that last (preseason game) and hopefully I can keep building that momentum heading into Tuesday.”
According to LeBron James, he worked really hard to get fully healthy. If King James is 100% healthy, it will be very beneficial for the Lakers. Moreover, LeBron James mentioned that he felt pretty good during the last preseason game. All he wants is to keep building on that momentum, and he’ll be ready for the season opener. For any Lakers fan, it is so good to see James feeling so eager and healthy as he was contemplating retirement just a few months ago.
Two Lakers Players Won’t Be Available For The Season Opener
Anyhow, the Lakers front office did a great job in the offseason. The roster looks pretty deep and balanced. However, two players won’t be available for the season opener – Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Vanderbilt will miss the game against the Nuggets owing to sore heel.
And Hood-Schifino would miss due to a right knee contusion. Jalen Hood-Schifino did not look at his during the preseason. Anyway, both Vando and Jalen are pretty capable players, but the Lakers will miss their service in the season opener. The Lakers Nation will pray for these player’s speedy recovery.
