The Los Angeles Lakers have hit a rut without Anthony Davis in the lineup. L.A. lost 96-94 to the Miami Heat on Saturday, marking their third loss in the last four games without Davis.
James notched 19 points on 7-of-21 shooting against the Heat, his worst shooting percentage of the season. After the game, the four-time NBA champion admitted that he must step up and lead the Lakers during Davis' extended absence. James said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin:
"I think that's what it all boils down to, and right now is another challenge for me, to be able to adjust. Not having AD for a long period of time is something that we haven't had over the last year and a half, and now it's time for me to adjust again and see ways I can be even more effective to help this team win ballgames. Because that is the sport that we're in.
"We're in the winning business, and I've always been a winner. So, it's time to click into that."
Davis will miss the next four weeks with a calf strain and Achilles tendinosis. The 27-year-old has been valuable for the Lakers this season, averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 53.3% from the field and 29.3% from deep.
Luckily for L.A., only six games remain until the NBA All-Star break, meaning Davis won't miss as many games as he would have if it were earlier in the season.
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