Anthony Davis has been the key to the success of the Los Angeles Lakers in recent times. He helped the LA side win the 2019-20 season along with LeBron James. The two big players became an incredibly strong duo in the league since AD joined the Lakers in 2019. Since then, the duo dominated the league, winning a title in 2020. But things somehow fell apart. The Lakers faced more injury issues, and key players were unavailable for important games. Hence, it became incredibly difficult for the 17-time champions to win any title since 2020.
Davis’ fitness has always been a matter of concern. He has not been able to play more than 65 games since the 2020-21 season. And his absence dearly cost the Lakers in the previous seasons. On top of that, in the 2021-22 season, the Lakers could not make the postseason due to injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even last season, the top two players missed several games due to severe injuries. And even when they played, the duo faced immense pressure because of a lack of involvement from the remaining team. Reportedly, at that time, Anthony Davis asked the front office for support at the center.
Anthony Davis Needed Support At The Center, And The Lakers Got Help For Him
Recently, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Anthony Davis asked the front office to get more options for the center position. Apparently, it will help to take some load off him, as he won’t have to play the position that often. As a result of the request, the Lakers did not waste any time extending Davis’ contract as soon as he became eligible on August 4. The 17-time champions extended his contract for three years worth $186 million. Although, it does not look like enough since AD does so much more for the team.
Anthony Davis made the Lakers the strongest defense last season. He was the spearhead of the team’s attack. However, he is very injury-prone, which really creates a lot of issues for a team that wants to build a championship-winning roster. Now, to take some load off him, the Lakers bought players like Christian Wood for a two-year contract with a player option in his second year. Moreover, the Lakers have the youthful energy of Jaxson Hayes in the team, who also can play the role of the center pretty well. But Wood is a better option. Last season, he played for the Dallas Mavericks and did quite well as their center.
AD Must Play More Minutes Per Game In The Next Season
AD has not played many minutes per game in the last few seasons. As per Basketball Reference, in the 2021-22 season, he played only 76% of his game time at the center. But in the last season, he played for 100% of the time as the center. However, a few years ago, the Brow played 91% of his time as a power forward. Hence, it has been a major flip as the center.
It is unsaid that Anthony Davis has been an integral part of the team in the last four seasons. He has an average of 24.6 points, 10.1 rpg, 3.0 assists, along with 2.1 blocks per contest. That’s how essential he is for the Lakers. Moreover, Charles Barkley, a TNT analyst, and NBA legend, mentioned AD must perform at an MVP level if the Lakers have to win the next championship.