NBA News: Lakers Need To Conserve LeBron James For Bigger Battles

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to figure out how to ward off the injury bug.

Even before the 2021-22 season started, there were already early casualties such as Trevor Ariza and Kendrick Nunn.

However, the most alarming development is the injury that put LeBron James on the sidelines.

Although it has been repeatedly shot down and categorized as not serious, only the Lakers and “The King” himself know the real score.

The good news for the Lakers is that it is still early in the season to worry about James.

Hence, it may be in the best interest of head coach Frank Vogel to keep him on the bench even if it means possibly losing games for the early part of the current NBA season.

With Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook around, Vogel can afford to work with the duo as well as other healthy stars in the lineup.

It is a reality that the franchise has to undertake, and the Lakers coach will be put to the test to make the necessary adjustments.

Westbrook has notably stepped up his game. He showed that against the San Antonio Spurs and also against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Unfortunately, the one against the Thunder did not produce favorable results, highlighted by the fact that the Lakers blew a huge lead.

To compound their misery, Westbrook was ejected from the game out of frustration.

As for James, it is worth noting that the ankle injury is the same one he incurred last March against the Atlanta Hawks as pointed out by Cooper Halpern on the "Lakers Multiverse" podcast.

The difference now is that the Lakers are still in the regular season. It may take weeks to months to allow James’ ankle to properly heal.

Although James has been known to stubbornly play through pain, he may want to hold back for now and let Davis, Westbrook and other proven stars hold up the fort.

Vogel needs to put that in mind as well and realize that the importance of James is towards the end of the NBA regular season and the playoffs.