<p>Just when they were playing their best basketball of the season, the<strong> <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Lakers-have-made-a-major-decision-about-their-new-players-20230224-0016.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Laker</a>s </strong>got the worst news possible. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Famous-Dr.-reveals-LeBron-James-potential-injury-and-comeback-date-20230228-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>LeBron James will be out</strong></a> for an undisclosed period of time <strong>with an injured <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Injury-Report-How-many-games-will-LeBron-James-be-sidelined-20230227-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right foot.</a></strong></p>
<p>James<strong> was playing at an MVP level </strong>and ass the focal point of the team’s offense. They’ve struggled vastly without him, and they don’t have a lot of room for error with just 20 games left in the regular season.</p>
<p>The<strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-DAngelo-Russell-has-the-blessing-of-a-Los-Angeles-Lakers-legend-20230223-0045.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lakers </a>need to bring their A-Game</strong> if they want to<strong> keep their playoff hopes alive</strong> without their best player for the next few weeks, and these guys could be their biggest factors going forward.</p>
<h2>NBA News: 3 Lakers Players That Must Step Up Now</h2>
<h3>3. Anthony Davis</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230228_BUS_215351_anthony_davis.jpg_22993414_e968af25.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Anthony Davis — Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Let’s start with the obvious here. <strong>Anthony Davis </strong>needs to be the guy and their offensive focalpoint. He cannot hide anymore; he was supposed to lead this team even with LeBron around, and that hasn’t happened.</p>
<p>There’s no doubt that Davis is <strong>one of the best players in the league.</strong> His impact on both ends of the floor is nearly unmatched when he’s healthy, but his character has also been an issue as of late.</p>
<h3>2. D’Angelo Russell</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230228_BUS_215351_dxangelo_russell.jpg_22993414_d25daa61.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    D’Angelo Russell — Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>With James out of the picture,<strong> D’Angelo Russell </strong>will need to fulfill that prophecy and become the star combo guard the Lakers thought he’d be when he first entered the league. He needs to be way more aggressive.</p>
<p>Russell <strong>was an All-Star in Brooklyn,</strong> and he’s proven that he can score in bunches when he gets into a rhythm. He cannot settle anymoreand will need to take a step forward as one of their primary bucket-getters.</p>
<h3>1. Jarred Vanderbilt</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230228_BUS_215351_jarred_vanderbilt.jpg_22993414_a3727fcd.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Jarred Vanderbilt — Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>And last but not least, the Lakers’ playoff hopes might as well hang on<strong> Jarred Vanderbilt’s</strong> shoulders. He’s not a star by any means, but he’s been the most impactful player for the Lakers— outside of LeBron— since joining the team.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt can play and defend multiple positions. His length, lateral quickness, and athleticism make him a nightmare on switches. He’s also an efficient shooter from all three levels, so he could be <strong>the ultimate X-Factor</strong> for this team going forward.</p>

jarred vanderbilt

The only players who could save the Lakers without LeBron James