The Lakers recorded their first win of the season on Friday night and offseason acquisition Anthony Davis played a significant role in that outcome. The big man totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and five blocks as part of the 95-86 victory over Utah.
In the second half, Davis saw significant minutes at the center position, an in-game adjustment he discussed with head coach Frank Vogel.
“If it makes sense, then obviously I don’t mind doing it,” Davis said after the win (per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin). “And it made sense tonight.”
This a change from Davis’ comments earlier in the summer after the Lakers swung a deal to acquire the longtime Pelicans superstar. Primarily a power forward during his career, Davis made it clear at his introductory presser that he preferred playing the four.
“I like playing the four, I’m not even going to sugarcoat it. I like playing the four, I don’t really like playing the five,” Davis said at the time (per SB Nation).
It’ll be key to monitor how much time Davis — who can hit free agency next summer — sees at the center position this season.
Whatever gets the W.
In today’s NBA this shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation. So many teams are playing position less basketball, and using 5 out offenses now.
I mean, if PJ Tucker and Draymond Green can play Center at 6’5, then Davis should be able to dominate there.
Yeah Al Horford and Joel Embiid start on the same team. Positions really dont matter.
Well… that’s all good if you’re playing someone with a 6-9 Center. Gobert is 7-2? I mean its relative to who you play.
Davis DOES dominate and players continue to have positions, like workers should.
If you feel your point requires exaggeration to sound true, then it probably isn’t.
Just as a hypothetical, how screwed would the Lakers be if Davis left as a free agent?
Whatever the highest number is
Davis doesn’t want to play the five if he’s going up against a post player. That’s because he takes a beating every time he does it. Gobert isn’t a post player, so Davis was fine with it.
But when he has to guard a big man that can post up, he’s going to say he’s a four.
Lol
If nobody helps out AD inside, he will leave. James won’t, Kuzma won’t.