NBA season preview: 5 big questions for the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

2. How many games will LeBron James and Anthony Davis play?

The Lakers are not going to concern themselves with maximizing their regular-season win total. They just want to makes sure they’re 100% healthy when the postseason arrives. That’s one reason why both James and Davis can expect to have their respective loads managed by the organization this year.

The other reason to expect both guys to miss time is that they have extensive injury histories. Just how many games the superstar duo plays will go a long way towards determining Los Angeles’ regular-season win total.

Specifically, the Lakers need James and Davis to stay healthy enough to secure homecourt advantage for at least the opening round of the playoffs. This team doesn’t want to go through the stress of starting the postseason on the road. They have a lot of veteran talent, but their mettle could be bested with a tough first-round draw away from Staples Center.

In the end, the Lakers front office will be satisfied if they comfortably make the postseason without overexposing either of their two best players to injury. Any calculation related to Los Angeles’ regular-season win total squarely hinges on how many games this duo will play.

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