The Los Angeles Lakers were hit with an unexpected blow when superstar LeBron James entered the NBA's healthy and safety protocols Tuesday morning, but the franchise’s other superstar has been preparing for the day he’ll have to fully take over the locker room.

After the Lakers took care of the Sacramento Kings with the assistance of a 67-33 second-half trouncing en route to a 117-92 victory Tuesday, Anthony Davis spoke to Yahoo Sports on his evolution as a leader and what he’s expecting from his team with James sidelined.

“It’s like I’m being tested with my leadership,” Davis told Yahoo Sports following a team-high 25 points, along with seven boards and two blocks. “'Bron has been out with injuries and now also with the COVID situation, so it’s a good test for me. It's a good experience for me to lead these guys and the good thing about it, I have other vets on my side who’ve been in the game for a while to help me through the obstacles. It’s a good test, not just for our team, but for me to lead these guys.”

For now, in light of the James news, Davis said he didn’t feel the need to address the team on the priorities moving forward.

“I didn’t have to do that, but if need be, then obviously I will,” Davis told Yahoo Sports.

This season, Davis has been more vocal with teammates on the court and in expressing his frustration with the team’s early shortcomings. After getting routed by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 12, Davis didn’t hold back his disdain for their performance. “We sucked,” he said. “... We're not winning a championship the way we're playing.”

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