LeBron James and Anthony Davis Out for Lakers vs. Celtics

• LeBron James and Anthony Davis ruled out of Lakers vs. Celtics game.

• James has a left ankle injury, Davis has an Achilles tendon issue and left hip spasms.

• Both injuries have been managed by the team throughout the season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis argue with a referee after a call during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on S

AP

In a highly anticipated national television matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a blow as both LeBron James and Anthony Davis were ruled out due to injuries. The Lakers' coach, Darvin Ham, stated that the team had been managing these 'active' injuries throughout the season.

James is currently dealing with a left ankle injury, while Davis is sidelined with an Achilles tendon issue and left hip spasms. The decision to sit them out was made after they went through shootaround before the game. Ham did not provide a specific timeline for their return, leaving Lakers fans uncertain about when they can see their stars back on the court.

This is the first time this season that both James and Davis have missed the same game for the Lakers. The timing couldn't have been worse as the team strives to improve their standing in the tight Western Conference playoff race. At the start of the day, the Lakers found themselves in the ninth spot.

James has been a consistent presence for the Lakers this season, appearing in 44 out of 49 games. Meanwhile, Davis has played in 46 games. This absence marks the second straight game that Davis has missed during the Lakers' ongoing six-game road trip.

In their previous outing against the Atlanta Hawks, James played 36 minutes and scored 20 points. However, it wasn't enough to lead the Lakers to a victory, as they suffered a 138-122 loss. This defeat was the team's second consecutive double-digit loss, which further dampens their record, now standing at 24-25 for the season.

With both James and Davis out, Coach Ham has decided to start Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes in their place. Alongside them, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Taurean Prince will join the lineup. Ham emphasized the need for unity and teamwork amongst the players, acknowledging that they still have skilled and competitive athletes in the locker room.

While the absence of James and Davis undoubtedly poses a challenge for the team, the Lakers will look to their supporting cast to step up and fill the void left by their superstars. The importance of coming together as a unit and maintaining a competitive spirit will be crucial as they navigate through this period without their key players.

Lakers fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on the recoveries of James and Davis, hoping for a swift return to full health. In the meantime, the team will need to find ways to stay afloat and remain in contention within the highly competitive Western Conference.