Lakers' LeBron James, Anthony Davis Out vs. Nets with Ankle, Foot Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both listed as out for Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Per Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, James will get rest because of left ankle soreness, while Davis is sitting for injury management from the stress reaction in his right foot.

The absences of James and Davis are a massive blow for a top-heavy team that's been dependent on the exploits of James.

James has been playing at a high level this season and averages 30.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Davis, an eight-time All-Star, has averaged 26.7 points on 58.4 percent shooting, 12.0 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

The 38-year-old's brilliance hasn't been enough to lead the team to success, as Los Angeles carries a 23-27 record into Monday's matchup.

Davis was playing at an All-NBA level before suffering a stress reaction in the 126-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 16. He missed 20 games but returned this past Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.

The 29-year-old is an indispensable member of the Lakers. His first year with the team (2019-20) ended with L.A. winning its first championship in a decade.

Unfortunately, the Lakers haven't been able to recapture that success, in part due to Davis suffering numerous injuries that held him to just 76 games over the past two seasons, including right heel and calf issues, a strained left groin, an MCL sprain, a right mid-foot sprain and plantar fascia.

However, the Kentucky product dominated during the first portion of the 2022-23 season. He even averaged 40.2 points and 13.2 rebounds in his five full games before the right foot injury.

Davis was initially ruled out indefinitely, but thankfully, he was able to return after a six-week absence.

Without Davis, the Lakers will turn back to big man Thomas Bryant in the starting lineup. Wenyen Gabriel should also see more time off the bench. Rui Hachimura, who was acquired from the Washington Wizards last week, will be thrust into a bigger role in James' absence.