The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the better teams in the league once again this season, but over the last month or so, they have been dealing with a lot of struggles. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been sidelined because of injuries and with some other key players dealing with some nagging injuries, the Lakers are 5-5 in the month of April and have slipped in the Western Conference standings. 

Injuries have really hurt the Lakers chances to be great during the regular season this year, but with Anthony Davis expected to return within the next few days after missing the last two months with a calf injury, Lakers fans can once again start preparing for a title defense run. 

Without Anthony Davis, not only have the Lakers struggled to score on the offensive-end of the court, but they have taken a major hit defensively as well! This team is going to need Davis fully healthy if they are to have a chance to win another championship. 

Anthony Davis returning to the court, even if he faces major minutes restrictions, is a huge deal in the Western Conference and with not many games left on the regular season schedule, his return could have major implications for how the rest of the Western Conference playoff picture plays out. 

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The Lakers are close to locking up their playoff spot this year, but who they will play and their position in the playoffs is still yet to be determined, which is why getting Davis back now is a huge deal.

With that said, let’s take a look at three ways in which Anthony Davis’ return could impact the Western Conference playoff race.