LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been pushing past their limitations to secure victories before the end of the regular season. It has been a rocky ride for the Lakers this season. But there is still hope that they get themselves through the Play-In Tournament. They are coming off a three-game win streak. LA ranks ninth in the Western Conference with a 39-32 record.
Anthony Davis: Your Player of the Week (10x) pic.twitter.com/QlCgIeP4lK
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 25, 2024
The Milwaukee Bucks are scheduled to host the Lakers at the Fiserv Forum before they head into a three-game road stretch. The Bucks have faced a good amount of issues during this season. But they still managed to maintain their stop as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. They hold a record of 46 wins and 25 losses at the moment.
LeBron James is out for the Bucks vs Lakers game
LeBron James has missed a handful of games recently as he suffers from an ankle ailment. The Lakers revealed that he has been diagnosed with left ankle tendinopathy. James needs good rest to recover from the injury but the Lakers cannot afford to play without him. They’ve achieved a 5-4 record without James this season.
Complete list of NBA teams by net free-throw attempts since the start of last season, including the playoffs:
1.Los Angeles Lakers (+1,017)https://t.co/hH3G6OYzCb York Knicks (+358)
3.Milwaukee Bucks (+344)
4.Orlando Magic (+311)https://t.co/XLvmnYxEuq Celtics (+271)… pic.twitter.com/LG14gkdrlL— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 25, 2024
LA Lakers Injury Report:
- Jarred Vanderbilt (Out)
- Gabe Vincent (Out)
- LeBron James (Out)
- Anthony Davis (Probable)
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (Out)
- Christian Wood (Out)
- Colin Castleton (Out)
LA Lakers Expected Lineup:
- D’Angelo Russell
- Austin Reaves
- Taurean Prince
- Rui Hachimura
- Anthony Davis
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report:
- MarJon Beauchamp (Questionable)
- Khris Middleton (Probable)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Probable)
Milwaukee Bucks Expected Lineup:
- Damian Lillard
- Malik Beasley
- Khris Middleton
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
“The more knowledge and comfortable you get, the more free everyone plays.”@Froedtert & MCW Practice Report. pic.twitter.com/RoYNxD1YA2
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 25, 2024
Losing either Middleton or Antetokounmpo won’t make much of a difference for the Bucks. They have enough depth to help balance the scale on either aspect of the game. A fully healthy Bucks roster is quite dangerous to deal with, especially if you’re the Lakers.
The Bucks have an advantage over LeBron James and the Lakers
The Lakers have a win against the Bucks from earlier this month. This was the same game Spencer Dinwiddie worked his marvelous defensive skill against Lillard. D’Angelo Russell also had an incredible 44-point game while LeBron James was sidelined. Dinwiddie’s defense against Lillard will be important for the Lakers.
However, if the Lakers decide to play Davis through a lingering injury against Antetokounmpo, it’ll be a major advantage for the Bucks. Both teams shoot at least 50% from the field, 38% from deep, and 77% from the free throw line. However, the Bucks have better depth while the Lakers bench units have multiple injured players. Milwaukee is favored to win by a margin.