The Los Angeles Lakers will depend on Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis in the post-LeBron James era to lead the team. But AD has been the leader of the side since last season. However, the start of the season has been a bit shaky for the Lakers. Moreover, the LA franchise was doing better at home this season. However, their winning streak at home ended against the Sacramento Kings at three. Moreover, the Kings really dominated the game against the Lakers. It was not a good feeling in general for the LA side.
Moreover, Anthony Davis had the worst game of the season against the Kings. The fans blamed AD for the loss. It is because he was able to score only nine points and nine rebounds. Moreover, Anthony Davis also contributed with five turnovers and four blocks. Domantas Sabonis, at the center of the Kings, outplayed AD. Later, in the post-game interview, Austin Reaves mentioned that everybody around AD can help him a lot more. It is not because he necessarily needs it. But Reaves feels it can help AD’s life get much easier.
Austin Reaves Feels The Lakers Should Move More To Make Life Easier For AD
Moreover, Austin Reaves felt that Anthony Davis was fighting against the opponent’s defense alone. Other teammates should have moved more with him to create some sort of confusion for the King’s defense. However, Austin Reaves thinks Anthony Davis doesn’t really need it 95% of the time. Albeit, he mentioned he needed to confirm his theory after he was able to watch the game again and figure out what they could have done better to help the eight-time All-Star. However, Austin Reaves tried to take as much responsibility for the defeat against the Kings on himself. But, it was clear that Anthony Davis could not move freely because of his hip. He had already missed a game due to an injury in his hip.
Moreover, in the first half of the Kings game, AD had tweaked his hip, which caused more trouble. Albeit, Anthony Davis did not want to use his hip injury as an excuse for his poor performance against the Sacramento Kings. However, he might be doing more harm to the Lakers’ defense and offense, not being as aggressive as his teammates expect him to be. For that, he needs to get back to sound health. Lately, LeBron James, 38, alone led the Lakers against the Trail Blazers to victory, scoring 35 points. But the aging star will need assistance from the new face of the LA side.
LA Side Had A Very Rocky Start To The Current Season
The 17-time champions turned things around from the midseason and finally reached the conference finals last season. It seemed very hopeful for the team that wants to win their 18th title before their arch-rivals, Boston Celtics. Later, the LA side had an impressive offseason. They added several players who helped them maintain balance and depth in the roster.
Clearly, the Lakers were the favorites to win the current season. But again, the 17-time champions failed to live up to the hype surrounding them. Moreover, the Lakers did not start the current season very well. After their recent win against the Portland Trail Blazers for the in-season match, they are currently 7-6 in the regular season. The Lakers are, at present, the seventh seed in the Western Conference.