Darvin Ham Anthony Davis Lakers
AD and Darvin Ham Lakers Source: Los Angeles Times

Anthony Davis has been responsible for leading the Los Angeles Lakers since last season. When LeBron James sustained a tendon injury that made him sit outside the court for almost a month, AD led the team pretty well. If it were not for the eight-time All-Star, the Lakers would not make the postseason in 2023.

But the credit should also go to the breakout talents like Austin Reaves, and then there are Rui Hachimura, as well as D’Angelo Russell. However, Darvin Ham is trying to figure out a plan to take as much stress and workload off AD as possible. Recently, the Lakers coach praised Anthony Davis for his brilliant show against the Milwaukee Bucks in the preseason game.

   

Darvin Ham Has Nothing But Praise For Anthony Davis

Darvin Ham Anthony Davis Lakers
Darvin Ham Anthony Davis Lakers Source: ESPN

Even AD knows that he can’t take as much workload as possible. Hence, he asked the front office to sign in a player like Christian Wood. That’s what the Lakers did. Now, let’s see how much it helps AD and the team. In the last game against the Bucks, the Lakers lost 108-97. However, speaking with Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell, Darvin Ham said AD’s focus on the game is very infectious for his teammates. Adding to that, Ham mentioned Anthony Davis has been the heart and soul of the team. He has been nothing but phenomenal for the LA side all these years. Moreover, Anthony Davis scored 16 points in just 19 minutes he was on the court against the Bucks in the previous game.

On top of that, he made five assists as well as grabbed seven rebounds. He shot eight times from the field, converting five times out of those attempts. Hence, Anthony Davis looks good and ready for the new season. Moreover, the eight-time All-Star has a bad reputation for not being able to play more than 75 games in a season in his career. Specifically, Anthony Davis could not play more than 65 games in the last three seasons for the Lakers. But on the Laker’s Media Day, AD mentioned that he looks forward to playing 82 games in the 2023-24 season. Both Darvin Ham and LeBron James feel that Anthony Davis is right at the center of the Laker’s strengths and even weaknesses. AD’s unavailability due to poor health is the biggest weakness.

AD Points Out Christian Wood’s Scoring Ability To Be Big For The Team

Christian Wood Lakers
Christian Wood Lakers Source: Andscape

Recently, Anthony Davis told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that the Lakers fans should watch out for Christian Wood. It is because AD feels Wood’s scoring abilities will be a big plus for the team. Especially it will be valuable in the upcoming regular season and even in the postseason. Anthony Davis points out that Wood can get the ball and score from three different levels.

Hence, it is going to be big for the LA side this season. Hachimura and Russell have been part of the NBA for a while. But they never had such a big impact in the playoffs prior to the last season. Moreover, the Lakers Faithful will hope D’Lo Russell will have a better impact in the playoffs only if the LA side makes it that far in the new season. Anyhow, the LA Lakers will pin their hopes on Anthony Davis to show them the way again to the postseason and even further.