
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (24) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (24) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Davis has suffered a significant injury in the middle of the season. Reports emerged yesterday that Davis has suffered from a calf strain. This means that Davis would be out for two-three weeks before his condition is re-evaluated. Many analysts expect Davis to return, most likely after the NBA All-Star game on March 7.
Anthony Davis out for a significant period
The injury comes as a major blow for the Lakers. Davis is the second-best player for the Los Angeles Lakers and has proven his worth on several occasions. Last season, Davis showed how crucial he was, as the Lakers went on to win the NBA championship, the most memorable moment being his clutch game-winner against the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 14, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris (11) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
This injury complicates the situation for LeBron James. James showed in his first season with the Lakers that despite his greatness, he cannot carry a team by himself. In the NBA, for any team to be successful, they must have at least two superstars in their team. The absence of AD puts the Lakers’ title chances in jeopardy.
READ MORE: Anthony Davis’ MRI Reports Reveals the Lakers’ Star Sidelined Until After NBA All-Star Break
However, James could use this injury to bolster his numbers. Without Davis in the team, James will have the ball a lot more. This could mean that he will have improved numbers that will help his MVP case this year. James is the current favorite to win the MVP as of now, but he could use this time to put him ahead of everyone else by leading the Lakers without Anthony Davis.
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How will the Lakers cope without AD?
Players like Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell are set to see more minutes due to Davis’ absence. While Harrell doesn’t compensate for Davis’ size, he is an explosive small-ball center who could be an effective power-forward in AD’s absence. Kyle Kuzma has been an underrated performer for the Lakers coming off the bench, and his minutes will increase during this time.

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 13, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) high fives guard Dennis Schroder (17) and center Marc Gasol (14) during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
READ MORE: Lakers’ Anthony Davis Gives Crucial Update on His Injury
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The Lakers have a challenging period ahead without Davis. LeBron James and other players in the team have to improve their performances significantly in order to compensate for Davis’ unavailability. Davis is one of the most crucial players for the Lakers, and if they don’t make the right adjustment, the defending champs could be in for a tough period until he returns.
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