Lakers reveal proof that players come back from injury to play them
Lakers fans have had a common gripe over the last couple of years. “Doesn’t it seem like the other team’s best players always find a way to return from injury just in time for LA?” Fans have been taking note slowly but surely over the last couple of years.
It’s not uncommon for a player who could have been out for the last couple of months to seemingly find their way back to the court against the Purple and Gold.
In LA’s most recent game, the curse struck again. Ja Morant, who hasn’t played since March 14th against Cleveland, conveniently found his way to the lineup to play Los Angeles. Lakers fans were shocked beyond belief.
Many fans have been criticized for playing the victim. The fact that fans have experienced such good in the team’s history must mean that there can’t be bad. False. Recently, JJ Redick has had the Lakers’ analytics department look into the theory. What they found proves that the internet gaslights Lakers fans.
Stars come out for the Lakers
As reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, teams have rolled out, on average, 86% of their total payroll against Los Angeles. This means that most of the highest-paid players and stars always get up for LA.
JJ Redick said the Lakers’ analytics dept looked into the internet fan theory that opposing team players suddenly get healthy when it’s time to play L.A. “I think it’s like 86% of [opposing] payroll has been available to [play] us this year, which is by far No. 1 in the league”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 29, 2025
We have statistical evidence proving that the Purple and Gold faithful have been right all along. It’s nice to have figures to reassure you that you’re not going crazy, but the real question to dive into is, why does this happen?
Could it be that these stars know games against the Lakers will likely be nationally televised? Perhaps the illustrious Lakers’ history miraculously heals these players’ ailments. Do the stars of the league just want their chance to take a shot at the king?
I, for one, think the NBA should poll the players, but that’s highly unlikely. Whatever the reason is, we should all be thankful that we know it’s not just in our heads.
