LeBron James may not be able to make any impact on the court right now, but the Los Angeles Lakers star is certainly doing enough talking off it.
The Lakers beat Oklahoma City Thunder 116-111 on Friday night as Anthony Davis dropped a stunning 37-point game. Davis controlled the game from start to finish, and helped the Lakers improve their record to 37-37 for the season.
Davis has been under the spotlight even more recently due to James' injury, but stepped up once again on a big night for the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. And James took to Instagram to back his team-mate, and call out all of the haters.
For a team as big as the Lakers, they're used to being the centre of attention in the NBA. But with the side enjoying another rollercoaster season, a lot of pressure has been placed on James and Davis to perform as they look to squeeze into the playoffs.
With James out injured, all of that weight is now on Davis' shoulders, but he delivered on Friday with 37 points and 15 rebounds. James was courtside for the occasion, and hit out on social media after Davis silenced his critics.
"To a non believer!!!! YEAAAAAHHHH WOE," James wrote on Instagram after the victory. "We hear all the chatter going on behind our backs but then they wanna smile in our faces when they see us!
James then continued with a series of laughing emojis before adding: "Man BEAT IT!! Keep cooking they a****!"
The Lakers now have an even record for the season, and have won seven of their last 10 matches as they continue to be one of the form teams in the league. Davis has been a huge part of their recent turn of form, and James is clearly delighted.
Only the Memphis Grizzlies are ahead of the Lakers in the form table throughout the Western Conference, and sit eighth in the standings. They're tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves who hold seventh spot, and are now just two wins behind Golden State Warriors in sixth.
The postseason is still in their sights, and after a terrible start to the regular season it would be some accomplishment if they can drag themselves into contention. The Lakers were 2-10 at the start of the campaign, but a positive trade window has boosted them, and Davis' form could get them to the playoffs just in time for James' return.
