With the Los Angles Lakers now at a record of 23-24, Anthony Davis is expected to be back since suffering a sprain MCL in his left knee to face the Kevin Durant-less Brooklyn Nets.

Davis was out since Dec. 17 which impacted the Laker’s defense because of his ability to rim protect and show versatility in defending any position. The team is currently suffering without the production of Davis and is in eighth place in the Western Conference.

Throughout games without Davis, the Laker’s defensive rating is an average of 113.6 compared to 108.8 per game with him on the court this 2021-22 NBA season.

The Laker right now struggles to maintain being at or above .500 and hopes things change. They need more help to get back to top-notch form because many expected the Lakers to be favorites to go back to the Finals with a more lengthy offseason than two years prior.

Lebron James, who previously lost to the Heat 113-107 despite scoring 33 points, is '“excited” for Davis’s return if he is healthy.

“Well anytime you get a talent like that come back to the lineup it boosts our team,” James said. “It’s no pressure on when he decides he’s ready or when the doctors and staff tell him he’s ready, but we look forward to when he’s in a uniform again with us.”

James is currently on an MVP-like season averaging 29.0 per game and is trying to help this team stay in playoff contention. Davis’s production on the defensive and offensive side of the ball could help the Lakers and give some of the pressure off of James with the responsibility.

Davis stats is currently averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks a game which could assist Malik Monk and Stanley Johnson in creating more production with James on the floor.

The only difference makers are staying healthy for the rest of the season, staying consistently in shooting the ball, and playing defense. If Davis could do those things, then the Lakers have a chance to continually win and be the team to stay in the playoff race.