Dynasties only look inevitable in hindsight. @JonathanTjarks examines the ripple effects of Anthony Davis’s injury: https://t.co/143vH9yNKC
— The Ringer (@ringer) February 16, 2021
The Lakers should be able to survive without Davis. LeBron, who is averaging 25.5 points on 49.8 percent shooting, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, is still the team’s engine. The expectation coming into the season was that AD, who is almost a decade younger, would carry the team and allow LeBron to pace himself for the playoffs. But the exact opposite has happened instead. Davis has played in five fewer games than LeBron while playing fewer minutes and averaging the third-fewest points (22.5) and second-fewest rebounds (8.4) in his career.
Playing without Davis for a stretch could solidify LeBron’s lead in the MVP race as he chases his fifth trophy. The Lakers will not want to put too much more on his plate, given that the playoffs will stretch into late July this season. They will just need him to maintain his statistical averages over the next few weeks while keeping them near the top of the Western Conference. The Lakers are two games behind the Jazz for the no. 1 seed, and a half-game ahead of the Clippers at no. 3. There’s a big gap between those three teams and the Suns at no. 4.
LeBron going to seize the MVP competition by the throat!