Last season, Lakers supporters may have been surprised when the NBA introduced a 65-game requirement for postseason awards. Until then, neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis had reached the 65-game mark in a single season with the Lakers. However, this season has seen both players enjoy their most sustained period of health since joining the team.

Friday’s game against the Pacers marked LeBron’s 65th appearance — comprising 64 regular-season games and one In-Season Tournament (IST) final — while AD had surpassed this threshold weeks earlier. Consequently, both players are now eligible for postseason awards.

AD has played 69 games this season, marking his highest number of games not only as a Laker but also since the 2017-18 season. Similarly, LeBron appeared in 67 games during his second season with the Lakers, a milestone he is likely to surpass this season. Both players are poised to receive awards this season, given their consistent availability, which has translated into impressive performances.

LeBron is experiencing arguably his most efficient scoring season with the Lakers, while AD is showcasing his most dominant and consistently impactful season in Los Angeles. Although Davis may be considered an underdog in the Defensive Player of the Year race, his stellar defensive performance is expected to secure him a place on the All-Defense team at the very least.

Both players are poised to secure spots on All-NBA teams as well. Davis has not been included in the league’s elite list since the 2019-20 season and has earned All-NBA honors only four times in his career.

On the other hand, LeBron has consistently been a presence on these teams, with the exception being his rookie season. If the Lakers had maintained more consistency or replicated their performance in the In-Season Tournament during the regular season, one or both players might have been in the conversation for the MVP award. In fact, LeBron was named MVP of the In-Season Tournament following the Lakers’ victory over the Pacers.

While the requirement of 65 games may seem somewhat arbitrary, for the Lakers, it signifies the best health LeBron and AD have experienced together as teammates. This bodes well for the team’s postseason aspirations and should instill optimism among fans.