
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) defends against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Davis was called for a foul on the play. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) defends against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Davis was called for a foul on the play. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a spot of bother having lost back-to-back NBA games. A losing streak is something that they are not accustomed to, but it is because of the absence of Anthony Davis that they are going through this rut.
The former New Orleans Pelicans’ Power Forward exited the game against the Denver Nuggets mid-way. Although the scans revealed no serious injury, the doctors have ruled him out for at least a month. Admittedly, they would not want to risk rushing him back and causing a serious injury in the process.

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
However, the Lakers are missing him direly on both ends of the court since he dominates below the rim while patrolling the defense. Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recognizes that all too well and said, “We know we need his play, motivation.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
KCP wants the Lakers role players to step up to help Bron in Anthony Davis’ absence
Even though LeBron James is defying all expectations at his age, he can’t do things alone. He’s carried the team before in a multiple-game stretch without AD, but this time, it is a much tougher task. KCP acknowledged that and said, “I feel like the last couple of games that’s been happening, putting a lot on Bron. We already know what we’re going to get out of him. So all the rest of us, we’ve got to continue to just play hard and just play basketball and not worry about anything else.”

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) celebrate in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One of the players who can take advantage of Davis’ injury is Kyle Kuzma. It is a massive opportunity for him to shine and give coach Frank Vogel a hard time in selecting the starting lineup even when AD is back. Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope really need to back LeBron.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We try to help him out as much as possible, and we want to do it as perfectly as possible, as we can… It’s up to us as far as like role players and ‘next man up’ mentality, we’ve got to be ready and locked in,” said KCP.

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers injured forward Anthony Davis (left) talks to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Davis’ absence could re-define the Lakers season. With the Blazers and the Suns catching fire, they will need to battle it out to stay in the top 4.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More – NBA Legend Charles Barkley Picks Utah Jazz Player Ahead of Lakers’ Anthony Davis for All-Star Game
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT