LeBron James is not expected to play against the Warriors today, therefore Anthony Davis’ numbers while he sits has become a hot topic of conversation this week. Prior to All-Star weekend, James had been dealing with a left ankle ailment, so there was some hope that he would play, but that is not going to happen.

James has missed just six games this season due to injury, marking his second consecutive absence due to the news. James has been healthy for the majority of the season. Anthony Davis will be the team’s main player as they try to move up in the Western Conference.

Anthony Davis has only appeared in six games this season sans LeBron James. In those contests, Davis averages 29.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.

The Lakers’ season began on November 12th, when they played their first game against the Portland Trail Blazers. In addition to scoring 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, Davis also finished with six assists and three blocks.

James missed the Lakers’ December 13th game against the San Antonio Spurs the next month, when Anthony Davis recorded a 37-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Examining Anthony Davis’s numbers once LeBron James is absent

Continuing where we left off, a week had passed since LeBron James’s 12/13 absence against the San Antonio Spurs when he suffered his third absence of the season. He was not present for the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 21, when Anthony Davis once again had a fantastic performance.

In addition to grabbing eight rebounds and blocking three shots, Anthony Davis scored 31 points. James’ subsequent absence occurred on January 13, the day the Lakers played the Utah Jazz. Anthony Davis scored 15 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists to record a triple-double this time.

LeBron James missed his fifth game on January 23 when the Lakers met the Clippers in “Battle for LA.” With 12 rebounds and 26 points, Davis helped the Lakers lose to their rivals from across town.

Not to mention, LeBron James missed his most recent game on February 14. Anthony Davis had incredible stats this time around, scoring 37 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

The team’s record in the six games that LeBron James has missed is 3-3. The future Hall of Famer won’t be available for Thursday’s game, so it looks like Anthony Davis will need to have another incredible performance to keep the Lakers in the hunt.