No one would say that the Los Angeles Lakers have played amazing basketball this season, but no one would also say that they were dealt a good hand.
Again and again, the Lakers seem to have bad luck.
This happened again on Wednesday when Anthony Davis experienced his latest injury, one that will force him to be sidelined for at least four weeks.
That means that the Lakers are once again down one of their biggest stars – and once again will need to rely on LeBron James even more.
James had some thoughts about carrying his team.
“These shoulders were built for a reason. If it takes for me to put some more on top of it, then so be it. Win, lose, or draw… I’m ready for the challenge.”
-LeBron when asked if he can carry the Lakers without AD
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 17, 2022
Speaking with the press after AD’s departure, James said “these shoulders were built for a reason. If it takes for me to put some more on top of it, then so be it. Win, lose, or draw – I’m ready for the challenge.”
The Lakers will need James to have that sort of spirit moving forward if they hope to make the postseason.
Big Shoulders, Big Responsibility
This isn’t the first time the team has leaned on James in order to succeed.
In fact, they’ve been doing it all season long.
James has been the only consistent bright spot on the troubled squad and if it weren’t for him, the team would have zero chance of making it into the playoffs.
One of the things that makes James so great is that he’s a natural leader.
But even though he is such a charismatic, successful leader, his skills have been pushed to the limits this year because the Lakers have experienced two or three steps back for every step forward.
James is ready to leave it all on the floor and give it his best shot – is the rest of the team?
NEXT: NBA Fans React To The Anthony Davis Injury Update