The Los Angeles Lakers are encountering roadblocks along the way as they continue to miss the services of star big man Anthony Davis for the eighth time this season. LeBron James admitted that it hasn't been easy but he is stepping up to the challenge to lead his team to win games even without the presence of his All-Star running mate.
“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 via 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.”
“We're in the winning business, and I've always been a winner. So, it's time to click into that.”
Davis has been ruled out after he suffered a calf injury midway through their game against the Denver Nuggets back on Feb. 14. Without him on their corner, the Lakers still managed to get a win against a lowly Minnesota Timberwolves squad in the following game.
However, they felt Davis' absence in the paint when they succumbed to a Brooklyn Nets side that was also without star forward Kevin Durant on Feb. 18. The disappointing loss was followed by another defeat as the Miami Heat escaped with a narrow 96-94 victory on Saturday night.
Overall, the Lakers have already gone to a 5-3 record without Davis on their lineup this season. In his absence, the team's supporting cast is expected to offer help and rally around their veteran leader in LeBron James in order to win more games and continue to hold onto the second spot in the Western Conference.
The Purple and Gold will have to stand their ground for a while as Davis is still a month away from making a return on the court. In addition, Dennis Schroder is also expected to miss a couple of games due to the league's health and safety protocols.
It will definitely be a tough stretch for the Lakers but their coming games will test the depth of their lineup and can ultimately prepare them as they face tougher opponents moving forward.
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