There was a time when the Los Angeles Lakers would collapse without LeBron James.
Since joining the team, the four-time champion has suffered multiple injuries that have kept him sidelined, sometimes for weeks or months.
Typically the team has suffered greatly during those times.
But this latest stretch without James has had some big victories, partly because of the brilliant talent of Anthony Davis.
According to NBA Muse, since James got hurt Davis has averaged 33 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks a game.
Anthony Davis since LeBron got hurt:
33.0 PPG
13.8 RPG
2.8 BPG
56.3 FG%
+40 +/-3-2 Record. Stepping up huge and keeping the Lakers afloat without LeBron. pic.twitter.com/wT2F3dEtu8
— NBA Muse (@NBAMuse24) March 8, 2023
The Lakers have gone on a 3-2 run without James and they are now the ninth team in the West.
Davis was once again the team’s biggest star on Tuesday night, adding 30 points and 22 rebounds to the team’s major win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
After his own injury and some criticism from analysts and fans, Davis is again looking like an MVP candidate.
He’s not the only player who has thrived without James.
Austin Reaves, Dennis Schroder, Jarred Vanderbilt, and other Lakers players have all seemed to adjust to life without James.
That being said, the team is very ready for him to return.
This squad is not like previous Lakers lineups, who were completely lost when James went down.
They are now able to come together, fill in the voids, and beat some of the most competitive teams in the league.
Since losing James, the Lakers have taken down squads such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and now the Grizzlies.
Davis has been at the center of that success.
NEXT: The Lakers Will Salute A Legend On Tuesday Night
