Ever since LeBron James has been out of the Los Angeles Lakers squad with injury, the remaining players of the team have been looking at Anthony Davis to lead the team to the postseason. Evidently, the Lakers did not have a great start to the current season. They had a lot of issues to deal with. The balance was not right in the roster, and too many injury concerns. But the Lakers have come way past that situation. After trading and buying players in February, the team looks far more balanced. But there is no end to injury concerns for the purple and gold brigade.
D’Angelo Russell and Mo Bamba, the two players the LA franchise bought in February, missed a lot of games due to injuries. Anthony Davis was not available for almost twenty games after a stress injury he sustained last December. However, when LeBron James became unavailable for nearly a month, coming to the end of the regular season, somebody needed to step up.
Anthony Davis Is Playing The Role Of Leader In The Team
It was Anthony Davis who returned after the long break and took the responsibility to help the Lakers make the postseason this year, unlike the last time. D’Lo Russell and Austin Reaves have provided quality support to AD in the absence of James. But now LeBron James is back in the lineup. After James’ return, the team won a game and lost another against the Chicago Bulls. However, LeBron James is not entirely fit yet. And after the season is over, the King may have to undergo surgery.
Hence at this moment, the fans and the team are looking up to the man in form, Anthony Davis as the leader. Even in the game against the Bulls last night, AD scored 38 points to help his team beat the hosts. Dennis Schroder, AD’s teammate, is very impressed with the new leader of the group. Schroder says, “the difference between the last time I was here and now is simply a change of AD’s attitude. Anthony Davis is more vocal with us in the defense during games.” Dennis Schroder thinks LeBron James has taught Anthony Davis a lot about leadership.
AD Owes It To LeBron James
Even AD credits James for being around as that helps him a lot to grow as a leader. It will also help in the long run as the Lakers’ management can look at Anthony Davis as their future leader. He himself has revealed his immense love for LA. Anthony Davis recently made it clear that “my family loves it here, and so do I.” Hence, he would love to stay with the Lakers long after James leaves the franchise.
Meanwhile, there was speculation that the Lakers may trade AD if he fails to take the team to the playoffs. However, if the Davis-James duo not only helps the team to make the postseason but also wins the whole thing. Then the front office of the Lakers won’t even think about trading Anthony Davis. If his contract ends, then they must quickly re-sign him for a long time in the future.
