Lebron nears return as Davis dominates in Lakers victory

The Los Angeles Lakers have had their fair share of injuries and setbacks through the first 10 games of the NBA regular season, but have cause to be optimistic for what lies ahead as they returned to form against San Antonio.

LA Lakers star duo Anthony Davis (L) and Lebron James (R). Source: Getty Images

Winners of the NBA bubble Championship two seasons back, the Lakers entered this year following an offseason which featured a roster overhaul in an effort to rectify their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

The team brought in a host of new faces headlined by dynamic point guard Russell Westbrook, as well as deadeye Carmelo Anthony and the crafty Rajon Rondo at the expense of exiting role players Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to name a few. 

And currently sitting at 8-6 before today's matchup with the Chicago Bulls, the start of the season has seen mixed fortunes for the Lakers, their biggest downside being the loss of superstar Lebron James to an abdominal strain in early November which has seen him miss six straight games to date.

But head coach Frank Vogel had some news for fans to cheer about earlier this week when he fronted the NBA media, providing a promising update on James' recovery.

“His rehab is progressing nicely," Vogel said.

"This does not seem like it’s [going to be] an extended stretch.

"He looks good, he’s moving. He hasn’t done a full practice or contact yet but he’s looking good, moving around in his individual work.”

And after last night's showing from star forward Anthony Davis in the Lakers' bounce-back win over the San Antonio Spurs, the rest of the league will need to be weary of coming up against the purple and gold in the future.

Davis absolutely dominated the game on both ends of the floor, posting 34 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in the 114-106 win, leaving Vogel in awe of the impact he had in his whopping 40 minutes on the court.

"Anthony really imposes his will on this game," Vogel said of Davis. "I think he, probably more than anyone, was unhappy with how last game unfolded (A 107-83 loss to Minnesota) and he was intent to impose his will."  

As we draw nearer to the Lakers matchup with the Pistons next Monday (AEDT), there's a high chance viewers will be treated to the return of King James alongside an in-form Davis, a terrifying proposition for the Detroit defence. 

Monday, November 22

Los Angeles Lakers v Detroit Pistons

10:00am - 12:30pm (AEDT)

LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand