LeBron James and the Lakers have lost two straight games without Anthony Davis.
The Lakers loss to the Miami Heat signals a bigger issue for Los Angeles: How do they continue winning without one of the best players in the NBA, Anthony Davis, active on their roster?
The Lakers could search for a short-term replacement for Davis — perhaps a Blake Griffin (if he’s waived) or Demarcus Cousins — but their predicament is in play right now. The top of the West standings are crowded, and every loss comes with the risk of falling another game behind the Clippers and Jazz.
LeBron James knows he must adjust and improve, and with every passing game he’s learning precisely how to do so.
LeBron James’ comment should provide Lakers fans hope
“I think that’s what it all boils down to, and right now is another challenge for me, to be able to adjust,” James said, per ESPN. “Not having AD for a long period of time is something that we haven’t had over the last year and a half, and now it’s time for me to adjust again and see ways I can be even more effective to help this team win ballgames. Because that is the sport that we’re in.”
James is spot on. The Lakers have been exceptionally lucky when it comes to Davis’ health, especially given his injury history. In the end, the answer of what the Lakers can do is simple — the supporting cast must step up to support James on a consistent basis. It’s the only way they avoid a slip in the standings.
“We’re in the winning business, and I’ve always been a winner. So, it’s time to click into that,” James continued.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso echoed that sentiment, saying that they’re trying to help as much as they can, but the last two contests most of that supporting cast has been off their game. The likelihood of that continuing on a long-term basis is slim given the talented roster the Lakers have surrounded James with.
Be patient, Laker Nation.