With LeBron James finally back after missing a month with a right foot tendon injury, the Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to start taking off.
They showed some glimpses of what they’re capable of being on Wednesday when they defeated the Chicago Bulls on the road, 121-110. It wasn’t their absolute best game, but they looked impressive at times against a team that had outhustled them three days earlier.
Buy Lakers TicketsLos Angeles outrebounded the Bulls by 13, and while James looked good, it received 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting from Anthony Davis, as well as 19 points, five assists and a “too small” gesture directed at Patrick Beverley from Austin Reaves.
A growing number of people are seeing potential in this version of the Lakers. That includes former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Jay Williams, who said they could win the world championship, possibly as soon as this season.
.@RealJayWilliams on the Lakers:
"That is a team last night that can win a world championship. Mark it down." ✍️ pic.twitter.com/JAl7OVotvN
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 30, 2023
The Lakers are eighth in the Western Conference, and a big key to their newfound success is defense, which has been one of the league’s best over the last several weeks. In addition, newcomer D’Angelo Russell has elevated their level of play.
Their best shot at winning it all will likely be next season, assuming they retain enough of their current players, when they will have a full training camp together. But given how wide-open the West is, anything is technically possible this spring.
