Anthony Davis Is The Key To LA’s Success And Aren’t Much Without Him
Back in LeBron James’ first year with LA, the Lakers were mediocre at best, struggling to even stay above .500. The team was okay, with James being the lone bright spot, carrying the load. Something had to be done and quickly. That’s when Jeanie Buss made the decision to go after Anthony Davis.
When forward Anthony Davis arrived two seasons ago from the Pelicans, Los Angeles was set, and the team had two superstars to take them over the top. He fit into the team perfectly and loosened the load on LeBron James’ muscular shoulders. This drove the Lakers to their first championship since 2010.
Davis is the number two man in charge of the team by far, averaging an astounding 25.1 points per game as well as 2.2 blocks so far as a Laker. He can play most forward positions as well as occasional center, a position the Lakers at times need help with.
On February 18th, however, Davis suffered a calf and Achilles strain, sidelining him for four weeks. The team quickly felt the effects of his injuries. Their first game without them was against the Kevin Durant-less Brooklyn Nets, evidently losing 109-98. Two days later, they played the Miami Heat, a struggling team themselves, losing 96-94. These games are marked by LA’s inability to connect for threes. Not saying Davis was the reason, but he factors in a ton per game.
This team appeared to regress into the Lakers team of three years ago with just Lebron and a bunch of nobodies. Charlies Barkley even said it himself, that the Lakers will not play in the NBA finals without AD. Yes, Anthony Davis will be back in four weeks’ time with needed and cautious rest, and there is no rupture which is a positive. The problem, however, is the Lakers and LeBron don’t have much of a fallback plan if Anthony Davis is out.
