The Los Angeles Lakers are in a spot of bother having lost back-to-back NBA games. A losing streak is something that they are not accustomed to, but it is because of the absence of Anthony Davis that they are going through this rut.

The former New Orleans Pelicans’ Power Forward exited the game against the Denver Nuggets mid-way. Although the scans revealed no serious injury, the doctors have ruled him out for at least a month. Admittedly, they would not want to risk rushing him back and causing a serious injury in the process.

However, the Lakers are missing him direly on both ends of the court since he dominates below the rim while patrolling the defense. Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recognizes that all too well and said, “We know we need his play, motivation.”

KCP wants the Lakers role players to step up to help Bron in Anthony Davis’ absence

Even though LeBron James is defying all expectations at his age, he can’t do things alone. He’s carried the team before in a multiple-game stretch without AD, but this time, it is a much tougher task. KCP acknowledged that and said, “I feel like the last couple of games that’s been happening, putting a lot on Bron. We already know what we’re going to get out of him. So all the rest of us, we’ve got to continue to just play hard and just play basketball and not worry about anything else.”

One of the players who can take advantage of Davis’ injury is Kyle Kuzma. It is a massive opportunity for him to shine and give coach Frank Vogel a hard time in selecting the starting lineup even when AD is back. Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope really need to back LeBron.

“We try to help him out as much as possible, and we want to do it as perfectly as possible, as we can… It’s up to us as far as like role players and ‘next man up’ mentality, we’ve got to be ready and locked in,” said KCP.

Davis’ absence could re-define the Lakers season. With the Blazers and the Suns catching fire, they will need to battle it out to stay in the top 4.

Read More – NBA Legend Charles Barkley Picks Utah Jazz Player Ahead of Lakers’ Anthony Davis for All-Star Game