Media

LeBron James hints that change in playing style is coming due to Anthony Davis’ absence

Published by
Brad Sullivan

The extended absence of Anthony Davis from the lineup of the Los Angeles Lakers has LeBron James focused on adjusting his playing style.

The Lakers suffered their third loss in the last four games on Saturday night.

Following the Lakers’ 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat, James stated that he needs to make changes in his game in order to help the team out of its current rut.

“I think that’s what it all boils down to, and right now is another challenge for me, to be able to adjust,” James said. “Not having A.D. 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 has struggled with different injuries this season and left the Feb. 14 road game against the Denver Nuggets after suffering a calf strain.

Early fears that Davis had possibly blown out his Achilles were somewhat alleviated in a subsequent MRI, though the veteran is still expected to be out for at least a month.

Not having Davis in the lineup takes away a player who was averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

Exactly how James plans to try to fill the void created by Davis’ absence is unknown, but he’s dealt before with key absences over the course of his 18 years in the NBA.

If the Lakers hope to challenge for their second consecutive NBA title, they need Davis back and for James and his teammates to step up their games for the challenges ahead.

Brad Sullivan

Brad is a freelance writer for LakersDaily.com, who can clearly recall watching Lakers games in 1972 as they captured the first of their 11 Los Angeles-based titles. The franchise's evolution into a beloved and iconic franchise among its fan base since that memorable year allows for a wider perspective to be a part of his writing about the team's current fortunes.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Recent Posts

Lakers insider says Jaxson Hayes will have suitors that will try to poach him in free agency

Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes hasn't suited up for the storied franchise since…

March 16, 2025

Antoine Walker says LeBron wasn’t actually ‘unguardable’ in pickup game with MJ: ‘That wasn’t the case’

Earlier this year, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recounted a story about playing in…

March 15, 2025

Dorian Finney-Smith says he noticed JJ Redick was ‘a little off’: ‘All the greats are a little bit off’

Before veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and began playing…

March 14, 2025

D-Wade says LeBron ‘put some extra heat’ on Bronny by saying he was better than some NBA players

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and ESPN star Stephen A. Smith have been in…

March 14, 2025

Skip Bayless destroys Luka’s impact without LeBron: ‘Most of his points felt like empty calories’

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic had some big numbers on Thursday against the Milwaukee…

March 14, 2025

Shaq says LeBron is trying to set records that will never be broken: ‘I know what he’s doing’

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James set another NBA record recently. In the team's March 4 blowout…

March 13, 2025