Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James has entered the league’s health and safety protocols, adding yet another twist to his fourth season in LA. The four-time champion has already missed 12 of the Lakers’ 23 games because of injuries and a suspension, and he will now miss several more contests after entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Without LeBron, the Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings by a final score of 117-92 on November 30 behind the stellar play of Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. While the All-Stars were happy they were able to lead their team to a victory without their leader, Davis and Westbrook had LeBron’s well-being on their minds after the game.

Anthony Davis on LeBron James: “I think he’s asymptomatic, which is a good sign”

Davis told reporters that he talked to LeBron after the Lakers defeated the Kings. According to the Brow, the King is “asymptomatic.”

“He said he’s good,” Davis said, via ESPN. “I think he’s asymptomatic, which is a good sign, but we want to make sure that he gets back. Health is most important. This is bigger than basketball. He has a family. We want to make sure that he’s good no matter what.”

According to the NBA, a player must isolate away from the team for a minimum of 10 days if he has a confirmed positive test for COVID-19. Following that period, a player must undergo a cardiac screening and reconditioning in order to be cleared to return to the hardwood. A player who tests positive can also clear protocol by returning two negative PCR tests within a 24-hour period.

Westbrook, who contracted COVID-19 when he was with the Houston Rockets, plans to support LeBron in any way possible. After all, the triple-double machine knows how difficult it is to be in-and-out of the lineup, searching for a rhythm.

Russell Westbrook on LeBron James: “Just check his mental and making sure that he’s in a good space”

Like Davis, Westbrook spoke to LeBron after the news broke that LBJ entered the league’s health and safety protocols. The four-time MVP isn’t used to missing so many games, so Westbrook wants to make sure his teammate’s mental state is good.

“I know he wants to play, he wants to compete,” Westbrook said. “Just check his mental and making sure that he’s in a good space because it could be difficult, you know what I mean? Especially coming in and out of the lineup.”

LeBron revealed at Lakers media day in September that he’s vaccinated. While getting the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t prevent you from getting the virus, it does help you not get some of the dangerous symptoms.

The Lakers are 7-4 with LeBron in the lineup this season. However, they are only 5-7 without the four-time Finals MVP. Now that it’s confirmed LeBron will be out several games, it’s time for Davis and Westbrook to play like superstars consistently.

Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook need to be more consistent

Davis is averaging 24.3 points and 10.0 rebounds for the Lakers while shooting 51.8% from the field. However, he’s only shooting 19.6% from beyond the arc. Moving forward, the eight-time All-Star needs to find his shot from deep so that the Lakers’ floor spacing improves.

AD becoming a threat from beyond the arc would create more driving lanes for Westbrook, who is averaging 20.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in his first season with the Lakers. The one-time MVP isn’t a good jump shooter, so the more space he has to attack the rim, the better.

Both Westbrook and Davis are getting paid superstar money. It’s time they start earning those checks and leading the Lakers on both ends of the floor while LeBron is out.