New Orleans Pelicans star big man Anthony Davis was forced to watch from the sidelines as LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers buried his team in the fourth quarter, only a week after soundly beating them without him.

Davis scored 22 points and hauled in eight rebounds in a mere 21 minutes of playing time, staying true to the franchise's plan to reduce his minutes in hopes to keep him healthy for the offseason.

That didn't make it any easier on The Brow.

“It is just tough not being on the floor, especially in a crunch time situation,” said Davis, according to Martin Rogers of USA TODAY Sports.

Davis’ confidence in his own ability hasn’t fluctuated, despite the recent trade request, staying locked on his previously stated goal of becoming the best player in the NBA.

“I feel like I am there,” he said. “I am there. In my mind that hasn’t changed.”

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One of the best?

“The best player in the league,” he added, clarifying it.

Davis was easily having his best season in the league before requesting a trade and going down to injury, now losing minutes and seeing his numbers decline due to that decreased playing time.

His 22 points in 21 minutes are a good example of the impact he can have, even in limited playing time. Davis' averages still stand at a strong 27.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on the season, all while nabbing 1.6 steals and a career-best 4.1 assists in 2018-19.