Unfortunately, LeBron James was not at his best once again against Denver Nuggets in Game 2. He missed many shots, which is very unlike his standards. The King could not help the Lakers to level the series. However, the Nuggets are now leading the series 2-0. Apparently, the Denver franchise has used their home-court advantage to its fullest at the start of the series. Now, for Game 3, the two teams will meet in Los Angeles again. Albeit, the Lakers have a 7-0 record at home in this year’s playoffs. But it won’t be easy to beat the Lakers at the Crypto.com arena.
The top seed of the Western Conference is on top of the Lakers at present. Moreover, they are just a couple of wins away from sealing the series and reaching the NBA Finals for the very first time in the franchise’s history. However, the Lakers will look to bounce back in Game 3 and not get three games behind. The first two games of this series ended up after close contests. But Nuggets ended on the winning side both times. The Denver franchise will look to build on the solid lead they have. However, the Lakers faithful will be worried because not only did the Lakers lose in Game 2, but LeBron James hurt his ankle again.
LeBron James Feels He’ll Be Ready For Game 3
Last night, LeBron James came very close to scoring a triple-double before he stepped on AD’s feet and fell on the floor. He might have had a bad game compared to his standards. Although he did score 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and contributed more with ten assists Lakers fans are more concerned with the injury that can lead him to miss the rest of the games this series. But James assured the fans and experts that he will be ready before the third game on Saturday. He even mentioned, “A little ankle can’t stop me from playing.” Clearly, for the Lakers’ ace, this is not yet over.
LeBron James steps on Anthony Davis' ankle 😬 pic.twitter.com/G8pdsMpj9Z
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) May 19, 2023
On the other hand, fans are worried because LeBron James missed a month’s game schedule due to a tendon injury on his right foot. Apparently, it is clear that the injury is not totally healed. And James might have to undergo surgery in the offseason. But since he returned back to court, he has helped his team reach this far. However, the injury came with the team’s back-to-back losses, which raises fear of elimination. Although LeBron James did not miss a lot of game time due to the injury. He stepped on Anthony Davis‘ feet after 40 minutes past in Game 2. Only a few minutes were remaining, but LeBron James got back up on his feet again.
If It Is Not Nikola, It’s Jamal
It is safe to say that the Nuggets destroyed the Lakers in the fourth quarter. Although the Lakers had more than ten points lead during halftime, Jamal Murray turned things around for Denver. Now, it seems like the Nuggets are unstoppable. Since either of their two stars will always come to save the Nuggets and wreck the opposition.
If it is not Jokic, it will be Murray or vice versa. Finally, the Nuggets won Game 2, 108-103. Denver beat Los Angeles in the two games very narrowly. Hence, it may lead to a tight and thrilling end to the Western Conference Finals.
