Lakers' Playoff Hopes Hinge on LeBron's Grit

0:00It's April 17th. This is California News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. The Lakers playoff run just hit a massive roadblock as they gear up for a first round clash with the rocket starting Saturday at Crypto.com, arena. Lukadon cheaches out with a grade 2 hamstring strain, Austin reads, sideline by a grade 2 oblique injury, both indefinitely. That leaves the fourth-seated Lakers banking everything on 41-year-old The Bronze James to carry the load. Earlier this week, the League and Players Association ruled in Don Chitchit's favor, making him eligible for postseason awards despite playing just. 64 games this season. He's still in the MVP mix and locked for his six-all NBA nod. Meanwhile, LeBron kicked off the year, nursing sciatica, but closed strong with his 70th conference player of the week-owner. Lakers fans are gutted, turning were felt like a dream 15 and 2 march into a huge what-if. The vibe shifted quick from MVP chance for Don Chitchit to stray panic mode.

1:03Experts aren't buying it either. All six from CBS Sports Pick Houston, NBA.com sees a five-game rocket's win and betting lines have them favored by. Four-and-a-half in game one at home. LeBron's no stranger to defying odds from his epic 3-1 comeback against the 73-win warriors to bubble rings and clutch explosions. His beat-up squad knocking off Houston's rebounding machine without their stars. That had ranked as his second biggest feat ever, topping even his other titles. But unless King James channels that Akron grit one more time and holds the fort to the cavalry returns, this season's looking like a wrap. Still, never sleep on the goat rewriting history.