Everybody knows that the Los Angeles Lakers rely heavily on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Only these two players of the team fit under the All-Star category. However, the Lakers Nation is also aware of the fact that these two stars are highly injury-prone. None of these two stars have been able to play more than 70 games in the last three seasons. However, when they are healthy, nobody can stop them. If healthy, LeBron James and Anthony Davis can alone win games for their side.
However, the duo of James-Davis together is more valuable because they helped the LA side win their 17th title back in 2020. Moreover, the front office has been building the roster centering around James and Davis. Hence, they need the duo to stay healthy and help them win their 18th title. However, that does not concern the Lakers more than a new NBA rule, which can ruin their plans.
What If NBA Cuts Resting Time For LeBron James And Anthony Davis?
Recently, ESPN’s Woj mentioned the governing body of the NBA introduced new resting times for star players of every team. In other words, Adrian Wojnarowski noted that the governing body is trying to limit the resting time of the All-Star players from the same game. This new rule to limit resting time can increase the risk of injuries to star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron James will turn 39 next December. Hence, he needs to rest for a certain time. However, this new rule might not allow any rest. Resting is essential to give the body more time to recover.
ESPN Source: The NBA Board of Governors has voted to approve new rules strengthening resting policy rules and punishments for star players that include national TV games, in-season tournament games and sitting out multiple All-Stars together in regular season games. https://t.co/uEu5tFdeok
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2023
Under new rules, teams would be fined $100K for a first violation, $250K for a second violation and $1 million more than the previous penalty for each additional violation, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2023
However, Bobby Marks of ESPN mentioned the new rules will allow players above 35 pre-approved designated allowances back to back. These players must have played either 34,000 minutes in the regular season or 1,000 games (combined regular season and playoffs). Moreover, sources suggest, as per ESPN, that the team will have to pay a fine of as much as $100 thousand for the first violation. Then, it will be a fine of $250k for the second violation. It will increase to $1 million with additional violations.
Can Lakers Win The Next Season With The James-Davis Duo Playing More Than 60 Games?
A big question is whether the James-Davis duo will play more than 60 games together next season. It will be a great help for the Lakers if they manage to do so. However, Darvin Ham must manage the game time for both Anthony Davis and LeBron James. That’s how these stars can give their best every game. Moreover, the Lakers have been looking for a center that can take some load off AD for a long time in the offseason. Later, they signed Christian Wood for a two-year deal.
Hence, the Lakers have enough depth and balance they can count on. Now, it will be crucial to manage the workloads of Anthony Davis and LeBron James next season. Perhaps players like Wood, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Max Christie can provide precise support to the top two stars coming off the bench. But the Lakers might miss the services of Dennis Schroder, who will play for the Toronto Raptors next season. Recently, Schroder won the MVP in the FIBA World Cup.