Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons why a first-round playoff exit is a real possibility

Why the Los Angeles Lakers could suffer an early playoff exit: LeBron James might not be back until the playoffs

Injuries to both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have really thrown a wrench in the Lakers’ season this year. After winning the championship last season in the restart bubble, and with how impressive they were in doing so, the Lakers naturally were the favorite to win the title again this season.

And for much of the regular season, not much of that changed. Until Davis and LeBron both went down with injuries. Even though Davis is on the verge of returning to the lineup, this team won’t be the same until LeBron does the same.

According to a recent report, LeBron is still weeks away from a return and it’s looking more and more like he might not be back in the lineup until the playoffs, or just before.

If that’s the case, that could end up being a recipe for disaster for the Lakers. A rusty or limited LeBron is not something that is going to help the Lakers in their quest for a repeat. And it could very well open the door for an early playoff exit.