LeBron James puts the onus on himself to score in Anthony Davis' absence
LeBron James had another spectacular performance in the LA Lakers’ 121-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. James finished his night with 43 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to lead his team.
Since Anthony Davis injured his foot against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 16, the four-time MVP has been on a scoring spree. He has averaged 34.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists on 58.5% shooting after AD’s injury.
Following back-to-back 40-point games, he had this to say about his blistering scoring pace:
“I understand that if AD is out, I gotta put more of the scoring load on myself but I also still gotta be efficient. In order for me to be efficient, I gotta make sure I trust my teammates. They put me in good position to be successful on the floor, then I gotta take care of the ball.”
"It's always a blessing when you're able to put on the uniform and play in front of fans that have watched me for the last 20 years." @KingJames on his performance in the east coast road trip. @LakersReporter https://t.co/jcOxbBsZtE
LeBron James’ performance against the Charlotte Hornets was even more impressive as Davis was out while Russell Westbrook played only 11 minutes due to a left foot injury. “Russ” has missed two games over the past few weeks due to the issue.
More than just the points, the 18x All-Star has been playing like he’s 10 years younger. He’s showing more energy, hustle and determination than the younger players on both teams.
James’ alley-oop, double-pump dunk off a pass from Dennis Schroder left the supposedly hostile crowd clapping in admiration. He has seemingly found the fountain of youth. “King James” joined Michael Jordan as the only two players with back-to-back 40 points at 38 years of age or older.
More than the jaw-dropping numbers, LeBron James has dragged his team to a 3-2 record after a five-game road trip. They are now 16-21, moving half a game ahead of the OKC Thunder for 12th place in the tightly-contested Western Conference.
The LA Lakers are asking too much of LeBron James
What LeBron James is doing is unprecedented. He has scored at least 30 points in nine of 11 games for the LA Lakers. What is most noticeable about his play besides the mind-boggling numbers is the energy he has shown.
The Lakers, though, have to realize that it would be irresponsible to ask him to do this every single night to keep them afloat. They can’t run him to the ground while they wait for Anthony Davis to get healthy. AD’s much-anticipated return will go for nothing if James is sidelined.
Darvin Ham’s team could easily have been further down the standings had James not been playing at an MVP level. The Lakers' once-stout defense has fallen off without Anthony Davis. Russell Westbrook is now dealing with a nagging foot injury.
LeBron tonight in the Lakers W:
43 PTS
11 REB
6 AST
He becomes the second player in NBA history to record back-to-back 40+ point games at age 35 or older, joining Michael Jordan. https://t.co/8RtoNJwuJ4
One has to wonder if the Lakers will make a desperate move before the trade deadline to make the most of James’ MVP-type campaign. The Lakers may also be waiting for developments on Anthony Davis’ foot as James alone would be hard-pressed to carry the team to the playoffs.
LeBron James is just 484 points away (37,903) from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record (38,387). Eclipsing the “Captain” may be the biggest consolation James can achieve this season as the Lakers are still far from being an elite contender.