‘With That Comes Responsibility’: Russell Westbrook on Anthony Davis and His Role During LeBron James’ Absence

Published 10/27/2021, 12:31 PM EDT

LeBron James has been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers since joining them in July 2018. The 36-year-old power forward has put on colossal performances for the Lakers over the years. Notably, the Los Angeles-based franchise did not reach the NBA 2018-19 playoffs in his first season. The team lacked LeBron’s clutch game-winning ability, and this arguably affected their chances of reaching that season’s playoffs.

Lakers star Russell Westbrook faced questions in the post-match conference following the San Antonio Spurs game. Reporters questioned Westbrook about the impact of LeBron James’ absence on the Lakers’ performance. He acknowledged it added responsibility to the shoulders of Anthony Davis and himself.

Russell Westbrook said, “I mean definitely got to do that for sure. You know, especially with LeBron being out. We understand that with that comes responsibility and making guys around us better. And tonight I thought AD did a great job. Which is being aggressive all night, finishing well around the basket, and was big for us tonight.” He elaborated on Anthony Davis’ performance, saying, “Defending, I thought he defended very well.”

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“I’m not used to people cheering for me on the road (laughs) thats a different experience for me… Tonight we represented” @russwest44 on the #Lakers fans in the arena and his 33-point performance. pic.twitter.com/Ayf0QsBuOp
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 27, 2021

Davis and Westbrook guided the Lakers to a win against the San Antonio Spurs. LeBron missed the game because of an injury he sustained against the Phoenix Suns. Davis and Westbrook managed 35 points and 33 points respectively to defeat the Spurs in an overtime victory.

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LeBron James’ legendary 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain eternally grateful to LeBron James‘s efforts in the 2016 NBA Finals. LeBron’s MVP performances ensured the Cavaliers won their eagerly awaited first NBA championship title. It was the first time in the NBA’s history that a player had led all others in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks during a playoff series.

The Finals victory against the Warriors meant that LeBron had won three NBA championships. In the 2016 Finals, ‘King James’ averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks. Alongside Kyrie Irving, the duo combined for 40 points each in Game 5, followed by LeBron scoring 41 points in Game 6 and 27 points and 11 assists in Game 7.

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Watch this story: Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis Carrying the Game to OT, Dejounte Murrays Triple Double and Other Highlights From Lakers vs Spurs

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Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.

‘With That Comes Responsibility’: Russell Westbrook on Anthony Davis and His Role During LeBron James’ Absence

LeBron James’ legendary 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors

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