LeBron, AD return to Lakers' lineup for pivotal game vs. Pacers
The Los Angeles Lakers' hopes of securing an automatic playoff berth have been handed a massive boost after LeBron James and Anthony Davis returned to the lineup for Saturday's matinee with the Indiana Pacers.
Los Angeles must avoid defeat to have a chance at catching the Portland Trail Blazers for the sixth and final automatic playoff berth in the Western Conference.
The defending champions enter Saturday's meeting in seventh place, a half-game back of Portland with two contests to play. The Trail Blazers, who have only one game left on the schedule, own the tiebreaker after taking the season series 2-1.
The Lakers need to beat both the Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday while hoping the Blazers suffer defeat Sunday at home to the Denver Nuggets.
James returns to the fold following a six-game absence due to a pesky ankle injury that previously sidelined him for a career-long 20 contests. Davis has been upgraded from questionable to available following a three-game absence.
Vogel also confirmed Dennis Schroder is available after the German guard sat out the last seven matches with a calf concern.