The Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 4 of their first round series versus the Phoenix Suns. Now that the series is tied 2-2, all eyes are on the pivotal Game 5. The Lakers, however, are set to hit the road again not knowing the full status of superstar Anthony Davis, who did not play in the second half on Sunday due to a groin strain.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Davis will be listed as day-to-day, although he did avoid a more serious injury. This means that his status is certainly unknown until he probably takes more tests. But with postseason basketball not stopping for anyone, LeBron James and the Lakers have to adjust as soon as possible.

Here are four things they have to do in Game 5.

Play LeBron and James and Marc Gasol together 

The Lakers scored 18 points in the 12 fourth quarter possessions when LeBron and Gasol were together on the floor. That’s equivalent to 1.5 points per possession. This is one way they can find their offense, especially if Davis will sit out Game 5. When LeBron and Gasol see minutes together, more sets can be run through them. Gasol performed well in Game 4, punching in 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. LeBron, meanwhile, had 25 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. 

LeBron James must go nuclear 

This is going to take a lot but LBJ has no choice but to play with a sense of desperation. He’s only averaging 21.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game against the Suns. This isn’t the typical Playoff LeBron numbers. He’s recovering from a serious injury and banking on him to take over a series versus a really good second seeded team might seem a little too much to ask for. 

But with his co-star not close to 100 percent, The King has to carry the scoring load. Has he done this before? Yes, he most certainly has, but can he do this after coming off a high ankle sprain? That’s to be determined.

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Lakers shooters must get involved

The Lakers have struggled from the three-point area this series but Sunday’s game hopefully got them into a rhythm. They shot 32.5 percent from deep, which is their highest so far in the series. For them to stay afloat on offense, especially if Davis does not play, players like Wesley Matthews, Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Schroder, Alex Caruso, and even Gasol should make these three-pointers. 

Lakers coach Frank Vogel has to find ways to get his shooters going especially since the Suns defense could very much make life hard for LeBron. The Lakers should totally optimize him and get his shooters to knock down shots to help him. 

Don’t start Andre Drummond if Davis does not play

LeBron and Drummond barely played together without Davis. In Game 4, the Lakers went -10 in the third quarter when Drummond and LBJ were at the frontcourt. They were also +3 in two minutes when Drummond, LeBron, and Markief Morris were in the game together. Drummond plays well with Davis and ‘Bron but without AD, the frontcourt attention will be focused on him. 

As mentioned earlier, the best pairing is to go with LeBron and Gasol. This allows more spacing and creates more shots for the role players. The pairing had an offensive rating of 150 in the fourth quarter in Game 4. The ideal starting lineup, if Davis does not play, should be Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (if he's available), Wesley Matthews, LeBron James, and Marc Gasol to maximize the team’s offense.