When it comes to the Lakers’ performance and aspirations for the upcoming season, Anthony Davis is vocal about the need for improvement in their transition defense. In a recent interview, Davis highlighted the issues the team faces and how they can overcome them.
A Promising Start with Preseason
The Lakers concluded their preseason games with a sense of accomplishment. Despite a loss to the Phoenix Suns, they were relieved to have passed the first milestone. The team had successfully navigated through training camp, showcasing signs of being a special unit. Coach Darvin Ham commended the players for their excellent communication and continuity on both ends of the court, suggesting that they have the potential to be something truly remarkable.
Identifying the Weakness: Transition Defense
However, the Lakers aren’t without their evident flaws. One glaring issue is their transition defense. This problem plagued the team last season, and it remains a point of concern. When discussing the problem, Anthony Davis emphasized two critical factors: effort and communication. According to Davis, it all comes down to hustling back on defense, recognizing your defensive assignment, and effectively communicating with teammates to minimize breakdowns in transition.
"Effort and communication. Those are the two biggest things. Hustling back, running back and realizing that you don’t have a man in transition. You’re not going to your man, you have to find a man and just match up from there. Getting back, not running alongside your man and then communicating." – Anthony Davis
D’Angelo Russell’s Stellar Preseason
While the Lakers grapple with their transition defense, D’Angelo Russell’s performance is a beacon of hope. Russell displayed his skills with an impressive 57.4% shooting from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc during the preseason. He also led the team with 5.2 assists per game. Coach Ham is optimistic about Russell’s potential this season, crediting his hard work and dedication. Losing together during last season’s conference finals has only made Russell more determined to excel this year.
"I’ve been saying it since the summertime: I feel like he’s going to have a big, big year." – Coach Darvin Ham
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will kick off their regular season with a game in Denver before returning home for their home opener against the Suns. Fortunately, they begin the season with their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, in good health. They also have Austin Reaves, who emerged as the team’s leading scorer during the preseason.
In conclusion, while the Lakers have shown promise during the preseason, Anthony Davis’s remarks highlight a critical area for improvement: their transition defense. As they embark on the regular season, addressing these concerns will be vital for the team’s success. Fans can also look forward to D’Angelo Russell’s anticipated breakout year, making it an exciting season for Lakers supporters.
Anthony Davis’ Perspective on Enhancing Transition Effort
Anthony Davis Bemoans LA Lakers’ Lack of Effort against Indiana…
In response to the question about what led to the Lakers’ loss, Anthony Davis emphasized the significance of effort. He pointed out that areas like transition defense and rebounding require no special skill but rather a relentless commitment to the game. Davis identified the lack of effort in getting back in transition defense as a particular issue that had plagued the Lakers throughout the season.
Effort, or the lack thereof, emerged as a glaring problem contributing to their defeat against Indiana and an ongoing concern for the Lakers.
What Are the Lakers’ Chances of Getting Anthony Davis Back?
Frank Vogel, the Lakers’ head coach, has expressed cautious optimism about Anthony Davis’s return. Vogel described the chances of Davis rejoining the team before the regular season’s conclusion, with 16 games left, as "100 percent maybe." While acknowledging the uncertainty, Vogel stressed the importance of not dwelling on the absence of their star player during this interim period.
Did the Lakers Get Cooked in Transition?
Despite a competitive performance from LeBron James against Kevin Durant for a half, the Lakers faced challenges in transition defense. This issue has persisted from the previous season. Anthony Davis emphasized that the key areas of improvement are "effort and communication." The Lakers need to prioritize hustling back, running efficiently in transition, and maintaining a strong defensive presence when facing opponents in fast-break situations.
Should the Lakers Consider Moving AD?
Injuries have significantly impacted Anthony Davis’s performance, with his most recent setback being an ankle injury suffered against the Jazz. Davis is under a substantial contract, set to earn over $78 million over the next two seasons. Given these factors, it’s suggested that the Lakers might be wise to wait at least until after the upcoming season before contemplating any potential trade involving him.
Why Isn’t Anthony Davis Playing?
Update: Anthony Davis is not participating in tonight’s game due to low back tightness, a condition he was listed for on the injury report before the first preseason game. The team has indicated that this decision is precautionary, as they do not want to risk exacerbating the issue during a preseason game. Additionally, head coach Darvin Ham is implementing a somewhat altered starting lineup.
What Did Coach Darvin Ham Say About the Lakers’ Potential This Season?
Coach Darvin Ham expressed an optimistic perspective while assessing the Lakers’ potential this season. He emphasized the team’s growth, calling it a valuable learning experience. Ham’s outlook centered on the importance of consistency and dedication as key factors in their journey.
