LeBron James is aware that Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks due to a calf strain. After two to three weeks, he is expected to be reevaluated again, determining he doesn't return to the floor by then.

The loss of Davis will be a huge factor for the Lakers.

Davis is averaging 22.5 points per game; the biggest question for the Lakers is who will step up in his absence.

There is one guy that Los Angeles can count on to produce at a high level. LeBron James has continued to have a magnificent season in his 18th campaign. His name continues to remain in MVP conversations and he continues to top each performance with a more magnificent one. James has shown in the past that he can carry a team into the playoffs without another all-star alongside him. It may be a lot to ask of the 36-year-old, but James will certainly be ready to take his game to another level for the Lakers.

Looking into the two games that Davis was sidelined, the Oklahoma City Thunder forced the Lakers to work for every opportunity in front of them.

The team did a phenomenal job of controlling the glass and forcing the Lakers to beat them from other places.

James had to have two heroic games to lead the Lakers to two overtime victories.

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With Davis now sidelined for a significant amount of time, the Lakers will need to figure out how to not allow teams too easy opportunities. As their schedule gets tougher, they will have to continue to fight through adversity without Davis.

Davis’ absence can elevate James’ MVP status. Right now, he is competing with Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and others for the trophy. The challenge for James is to not only continue his high level of play but to find the next man who can step up in Davis’ place for the Lakers.

In a tough Western Conference, teams need to have two players play at a high caliber level to succeed. James has proven time and time again that he is capable of. But who will be the next player to lead beside him? The loss of Davis will be a challenge for the Lakers through the next few weeks. And if he misses more time after re-evaluation, James will challenge himself and his teammates to step up.