Since the Lakers are missing LeBron “King” James right now, it is time for Anthony Davis to rise to the occasion. The squad has been through hell since the current season began. Albeit, AD was in top form before he got injured in December and missed several games. He could not return to the court after January. But after coming back, AD has displayed some great performances. However, he could not really help the team as much as he would have liked. But still, the fans had faith in the pair of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Lakers Need AD Now More Than Ever
The team and its front office reshuffled the roster in the trade duration and actually helped in gaining balance. But the worst thing that could have happened was when the team was looking to climb up with speed. The Lakers star LeBron James hurt his right foot and will stay out till a tentative March 24. Somehow it seems like the two stars of the Los Angeles franchise are not meant to be together in the same lineup this season. Injuries are free-flowing in the roster of Lakers. The new addition to the group, D’Angelo Russell, also sprained his ankle and has missed four games in a row. Only 18 games are left, but the Lakers are still not finding the correct rhythm.
Anthony Davis played the last game pretty well but could not help the team get the much-needed win. He knows, and so does the team that they need a streak to turn things around, but it is just not going in their favor. Head coach Darvin Ham revealed that he does not want to put too much stress on Anthony’s feet. Hence, in case of any back-to-back games, Anthony Davis will participate only in either of the two. The Lakers are already sans LeBron James and sans D’Angelo Russell. Now, Anthony Davis will also not be available for them in all the remaining games.
Shaq Thinks Anthony Davis Has Lost His Touch
The Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal is famous for speaking his heart out. Shaq recently mentioned, “with all due respect to AD, I gotta say that he has lost it.” The 15-time All-Star added there is a different expectation when someone is a champion plus a Laker to play at a high level. According to Shaq, the eight-time All-Star has not lived up to the expectation. Shaq points out that Anthony Davis is lacking consistency in the current season. But Shaq also said that if the Lakers have to qualify, then AD is the guy to make it happen. As a leader of the pack on the court, he will have to make the most of the chances he will get.
In the 2020 championship-winning season, AD averaged 26.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg, and blocked 2.3 in 62 games. Currently, AD is averaging 25.7 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and shooting 56.4% from the field. That is still very impressive, but the Lakers need him to carry the team to the postseason. Time is running out for the Lakers, and they need Anthony Davis now more than ever to display his best game.