Optimism Around Anthony Davis's Return? And How Much Help Do A.D. and LeBron James Really Need?

After a genuinely horrendous 2-10 start to the season, the Lakers have managed to play winning basketball more than not. Now 17-21, they've moved themselves back into spitting distance of the magic 10 seed in the Western Conference. Not exactly the goal, but the bare minimum of what's required to have a shot at the postseason. So with decent news coming out of El Segundo regarding Anthony Davis—his recovery seems to be going as well as anyone could expect, with no discernible setbacks—and LeBron James playing like a 28-year old, not a 38-year old, there is a renewed focus on the supporting cast.

Wednesday's win over Miami was, definitionally, all supporting cast. No A.D., no James. All that's left are the other guys, and between 32 points from Dennis Schroder, generally solid play from Russell Westbrook, another good game from Thomas Bryant and continuing contributions from Austin Reaves, the Lakers got enough to squeak past a Heat squad at full strength.

So what does that say about the supporting crew? Better than they get credit for? Good enough to give James and Davis what they need, with maybe a little boost from outside?

It kinda depends on how you define your terms.

Trying to figure out how the Lakers are doing that, though, is complicated.

Even more complicated? Trying to discern just what is available on the trade market, anyway. Even if the Lakers want to make a move, whether small or large, just how much flexibility will there be in a market still very much geared towards sellers, without a ton of appealing players on the market?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis is, they say, improving. How confident can reports make you, given his history?

SEGMENT 2: Is the Lakers' supporting cast better than it's getting credit for?

SEGMENT 3: How much help is enough help? Depends on how good you think the Lakers really are, and what the endgame is.

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