The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-91 on Sunday night, without Anthony Davis as a precaution due to the calf contusion. Angelenos will have matches in consecutive days when they will jump to the floor again on Monday night, however, both LeBron James and Alex Caruso are doubtful due to an ankle sprain and a hand injury, respectively, the coach confirmed Frank Vogel.
In the opening of the 2020-21 season against the Clippers, LeBron James suffered a sprained left ankle, although that did not stop him from continuing. Tonight against Minnesota, he sprained the same ankle before the break, but stayed in the game. James played 26 minutes in three quarters, leaving the game 1:11 of the third quarter, when the Lakers had a 99-67 lead.
“(My ankle) had better days, but I feel good. I’m going to sleep, I’ll rest and we’ll see how good it is tomorrow “, shared LeBron James after the victory where he contributed with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Without Davis available, Kyle Kuzma started and did it in a great way. Kuz had 20 points in the first half alone and connected especially with Marc Gasol in the first quarter, including a pair of assists for two of the four triples.
“We have two superstars (LeBron and Davis), legitimately, but when one of them disappeared and I have a better chance of being on the floor early, the game helps me. I always try to contribute to have an impact on the game for the team, “said Kuzma.
It was also a special night for Marc Gasol at Staples Center, the Spanish center had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 blocks and was 3 of 3 in triples.
“Some players can see the games before they happen by reading the game. (Marc) is one of them “, said LeBron James about the high basketball coefficient he shares with Gasol.
The current champions have a great power in attack and distribute the task to perform the shots, constantly looking to move the ball. Of the three games played so far this season, against Minnesota it was the biggest assist they had as a team with 32.
“We don’t have a goal about how many assists we want in a game, we have so many players who can make shots that no one should feel pressured to make a bad shot when we can move the ball from one side to the other. other. We have the ability to do great things in case of offense, “said James.
For this Monday against the Portland Trailblazers, the Lakers hope to get Anthony Davis back, although he could be without LeBron.