Taking learning from the 2022-23 NBA season, Rob Pelinka, the Los Angeles Lakers general manager of baseball operations, initiated bold calls during the off-season. He retained the core of the new-look roster while securing big man Anthony Davis in an expensive three-year $186 million extension contract.
With LeBron James entering his final career stretch, the Lakers wanted a new leader. That thought led them to extend Anthony Davis as he is the perfect successor for LeBron. Moreover, if recent rumors are to be believed, Davis might already have influenced a couple of off-season decisions made by LA’s front office.
Anthony Davis Asked For Additional Front Court Help From Rob Pelinka!
Center forward Anthony Davis is a highly exceptional talent. His ability to handle both ends of the court makes him stand apart from the masses. However, last season, his biggest strength became a curse. Due to excessively playing in the center, AD’s health went for a toss. He suffered multiple injuries during crucial stretches, which hurt the Lakers’ playoff push. Thus, this off-season, Davis ensured to have enough depth on the deck. Dave McMenamin of ESPN claims that AD particularly asked Rob Pelinka to bring in more help in the center. He wanted more players to surround him so that he could play some forward as well. Meanwhile, Pelinka adhered to AD’s request and acquired Jaxon Hayes and Christian Wood during the off-season.
Now that Anthony Davis has enough help in the center, he is focused on playing forward to help in the scoring department. Additionally, with LeBron James still an equal part of the unit, AD is slowly taking over the leadership reigns. He wants to build an environment wherein his teammates can come to him at any given time for anything they might need. “Whatever y’all need. My house is always open,” said Davis. These instances clearly suggest that AD will soon take over the complete control of the team. LeBron James, on the other hand, is being an absolute sport. He wants Davis to become the face of the franchise and will offer assistance in the smooth transition of power. With AD, the Lakers would soon enter a new dawn. But will it lead to success or devastation? Only time will tell.
David Not Using Injury As An Excuse For Lakers Loss To Kings!
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a brutal 110-125 defeat to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Despite an underlying hip spasm injury, Anthony Davis played 35 minutes. But visibly struggled to earn points. He finished the night with only nine points in his column. Naturally, the center forward had not healed, which he admitted during the post-game press conference.
Having said that, Anthony Davis does not want to use it as an excuse. He says that he played badly, and that is the simple reason behind the brutal defeat. Of course, the underlying injury played a role, but as a professional baller, he failed to do his job. “I’m not gonna put it on anything. It was just missed shots. I just played like sh*t tonight, to be honest. It’s that simple,” said Davis.
