On a crucial night when LeBron James was sidelined due to a left leg contusion, Anthony Davis rose to the occasion, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a hard-fought victory against the Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena.

Davis showcased his versatility and impact, contributing significantly to the 116-110 win. He scored an impressive 30 points, hitting 10 of 20 field goals and a perfect 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. The star forward also pulled down 13 rebounds, distributed 6 assists, and blocked 3 shots, displaying an all-around stellar performance.

In the absence of LeBron, Davis took charge, demonstrating why he is a game-changer for the Lakers. Austin Reaves, who chipped in with 18 points and four assists in 28 minutes, acknowledged Davis’s influence, recognizing the pivotal role he plays in shaping the game beyond what statistics can capture.

“I saw the for tonight, so I knew today would be good for him… You have a chance whenever you have Anthony Davis. He changes the game in a lot of ways that the stats don’t even show them,” commented Reaves.

Davis’s absence in the previous game against the Houston Rockets had been notably felt, particularly in rebounding and paint presence. However, the Lakers’ performance against the Trail Blazers showcased a turnaround, with the team dominating in the paint, securing a 20-point advantage, and outrebounding their opponents by three.

The collective effort, led by Davis’s exceptional performance, propelled the Lakers to victory and brought them back to .500, demonstrating the team’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.