How Will the Lakers Survive Without Anthony Davis?

The Lakers have a very distinct challenge in front of them over the next week or two. Let's say for the sake of argument Anthony Davis misses all seven of the games the Lakers have left on the calendar before the All-Star break. How will they respond? In theory, three of those games—tonight against Washington, then games against Utah on February 10th and 12th—are winnable whether Davis plays or not. The other four? You do what you can. But staying above water will require a true commitment to details and focus that has been missing too often this season, and has apparently left the building over the last two games. JJ Redick spoke bluntly about the poor mental approach the Lakers had against the Hornets in Charlotte, and to say the least, was not happy with that aspect of his team's game in Philadelphia against the Sixers. But sometimes missing stars brings things into focus. Redick and LeBron James have talked about the lack of margin for error, and about being an execution-based team. Well, nothing will bring the need to execute into greater focus than losing your best player. The security blanket Davis provides on both ends is gone. The Lakers know it, and can prepare. You would think the Lakers would come out with the requisite energy and attention to detail the task (even against a horrible basketball team like the Wizards) requires. You would think. In a perfect world, the Lakers can win enough games to buy A.D. some time, allowing him to rest through to the break if it's needed, or even what would be best for Davis in terms of his long-term health, and capacity to play at full strength for the stretch run. That means beating the Wizards tonight, but also stealing a game or two (ok, maybe just one) against the Knicks, Clippers, Warriors and Pacers. Lord knows they owe Davis the lift, given how he's carried them throughout the season. (In that sense, it's surprising Davis didn't already have a hernia.) HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How long will Davis be out? SEGMENT 2: Where can the Lakers compensate? SEGMENT 3: Anger around Bronny vs. Philly is misplaced. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees . Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.