Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Without LeBron & AD And A Crazy Tough Schedule, The Lakers Could Potentially Drop To The Play-In Seeds

During the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss against the Atlanta Hawks yesterday, LeBron James had to leave early due to an injury.

After the game, he was diagnosed with a high right ankle sprain, leaving him out indefinitely. How much time he’ll miss exactly will depend upon the grade of the sprain, but it will likely be anywhere from two to eight weeks. 

This has the Lakers season already somewhat in jeopardy. Not only James will be missing significant time, but also the team’s second All-Star in Anthony Davis.

Davis has been sidelined since February 14, and will at least miss two more weeks before attempting a comeback.  

The biggest problem for the Lakers in these coming weeks is their tough schedule and the insanely stacked Western Conference. Without Davis and James (at least in most parts), they will play 17 teams with a .500 or better record in their remaining 30 games. The Lakers now have 14 losses, and the Spurs, who are currently the first play-in team as the 7th seed, have just 16 losses. Granted, the Lakers have played four more games, but it still would absolutely be possible that the Lakers could potentially drop to a play in seeding, given the strength of their schedule.

Just imagine being the Jazz – playing an amazing regular season, finishing with the 1st seed, only to match up against a healthy Lakers squad in the first round of the playoffs…