"Our old guy played too much" - Colin Cowherd isn't optimistic about the LA Lakers
The 41-38 LA Lakers have been one of the best teams in the NBA since the trade deadline. Their 16-7 record ranks fourth in the NBA in that span, while their 112.2 defensive rating leads the league. Despite this, Colin Cowherd is not optimistic about the Lakers' chances. Speaking on The Herd, the sports media personality stated:
"They win a very, very gutty road game and the number one concern is our old guy played too much and our always hurt guy can't play back-to-backs. It's a little bit like cramming for a final. You'll pass the test, but you're not an A student. The Lakers have been cramming for this playoff test for the last two weeks and they've won seven of eight, they're focused, they're playing through pain."
Cowherd continued:
"It's impressive. I do not think it's terribly sustainable. Why is a kid cramming in college? Because he parties too much. Why are the Lakers now having to cram for the playoffs? Because they get hurt too much."
Check out Colin Cowherd's full comments on the LA Lakers below:
"It's a little bit like cramming for a final. You'll pass the test, but you're not an A student."
— @ColinCowherd on why he's not buying the Lakers to make a run in the West https://t.co/Xvm6ditO5Q
Cowherd did note that his outlook for the Lakers could change if superstar Anthony Davis is able to remain healthy. The Lakers are 41-38 in the Western Conference and tied for sixth place in a jam-packed postseason race.
How have Anthony Davis and LeBron James performed for the LA Lakers this season?
Anthony Davis and LeBron James have both played at an All-NBA level while on the court this season. Davis has averaged 26.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 56.9% from the field in 53 games played this season. James has averaged 28.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field in 52 games played.
While both Lakers superstars have battled injuries, they have gotten healthy at the right time. Furthermore, the Lakers have not lost when Davis, James, and trade deadline acquisition D'Angelo Russell are all available in the lineup. They are currently tied for the sixth seed in a Western Conference postseason race that will likely come down to the season's final game.
The 41-38 LA Lakers will finish their season with a de-facto road game against the LA Clippers followed by home games against the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. If the Lakers are able to win out, they will finish as the fifth-seed.