The Los Angeles Lakers lost two consecutive games without Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder. While his defense remains strong, the attack has been looking for some life, and LeBron James has felt the effects of that.
In his 18th season, James continues to demonstrate just how phenomenal a basketball player he still is. Currently averaging 25.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists, while shooting 50.2% of the pitch and 36.2% of the bottom, he is once again in the league’s MVP conversation.
However, as Davis and Schroder, two of the Lakers ‘best players, remain excluded, James’ impact on the court could not be more significant. Given the circumstances, what the 36-year-old star has produced in the past two games has been spectacular.
Against Brooklyn, James had 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Against Miami, his shot abandoned him, but James found different ways to make an impact, ending with 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Despite the losses, James is focused on adjusting to the Lakers’ needs, as injuries and ill health have put him in an even bigger role.
“Just keeping an open mind about everything my teammates need, everything the coaching staff needs, anyone I’m playing with needs at that specific moment, and always having a growth mindset and not being accommodated,” he said.
“I think it all comes down to that and now it’s another challenge for me to be able to adjust.”
Without Davis’s gravity in the attack that requires significant attention, the opposing defenses are directing that attention to James to slow him down. But James is trying to find ways to win the defense plan to win.
“Not having AD for a long time is something we haven’t had in the past year and a half,” said James. “Now it’s time to adjust again and see ways to be even more effective in helping this team win games with the ball. This is the sport in which we operate. We are in the winning business and I have always been a winner. It’s time to click on that. ”
Lakers need more lineups without LeBron James
Responsibility was shifted to Los Angeles players to increase their production to help James win games. However, as the last two games have indicated, they are not advancing as LA would like.
Coach Frank Vogel said lineups when James is on the bench need more organization.
“‘Bron, he runs the ball and obviously runs the show, so there’s a natural void,” said Vogel.
“It’s just one of those things that we have to be aware of. Make sure we are organized and giving a plan to the guys who are there. Because, as I said, we have a lot of firepower to beat those minutes. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. “
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