LeBron James: Anthony Davis' Return from Injury Would Only Be 'Band-Aid' For Lakers

LeBron James' optimism at saving the Los Angeles Lakers' season appears nonexistent.

James downplayed the impact of Anthony Davis' potential return, saying it would only serve to paper over the cracks for season-long chemistry issues.

"It puts a Band-Aid on some things, but, I mean, we just haven’t had enough chemistry, enough time with our group to be able to know exactly who we are and who we can become," James told reporters after the Lakers' 140-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. "… It’s going to be challenging for us. AD definitely helps, but it’s not the answer to all the questions."

The Lakers were outplayed from the opening tip Sunday night, with the Suns leading 48-22 after the first quarter and never looking back.

James finished with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists but was again let down by the league's most embattled supporting cast. No other Lakers starter scored more than 13 points, and the team's listless defense allowed Phoenix to shoot 56.9 percent from the floor.

The Lakers have lost seven of their past nine games. The pair of victories in that stretch required James to score 50-plus points in wins over the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors. His spectacular scoring outbursts have catapulted him into the race to be crowned the NBA's scoring champion but have not done anything to save his team's fast-sinking season.

Davis has been out of the lineup since suffering a mid-foot sprain in Feb. 16's win over the Utah Jazz. No timetable has been set for his return, but Davis told reporters Sunday that he is hopeful he will be able to get back on the floor this season.

"I'm very optimistic about it," Davis said. "I'm trying to get back on the court as soon as possible. As far as a number or something, I would love to say 100, but with only a certain amount of games yet, not 100 percent sure."

The Lakers are 29-38 and sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference. They would need to win two play-in games to be the No. 8 seed if the season ended today.