Anthony Davis is seeing more minutes at center since Darvin Ham became the Lakers‘ head coach and he’s still trying to get comfortable in that role, writes Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. After Monday’s game, Davis looked back at L.A.’s last championship season when he was usually on the court with either JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard.
“I think roles just changed a little bit as far as me and positions,” he said. “In ’19/20, I was a roamer where I could be on whoever the forward is and help take everyone. It’s tough for me to do that when I’m guarding the five. Still can do it – still have to do it, find a way to do it.”
Goon notes that the Lakers have been through several centers since then, but none has been as effective. They tried Marc Gasol, Andre Drummond and DeAndre Jordan, and even brought Howard back. Thomas Bryant‘s thumb injury this season and Damian Jones‘ disappointing start have forced Davis to spend most of his time in the middle.
There’s more from Los Angeles:
- A 2-8 start has led to speculation that Davis might be traded, but the Lakers aren’t giving serious consideration to that option, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Buha points out that Davis is seeing the ball less since his switch to center, with a 25.5 usage percentage that’s the lowest since his second NBA season. However, his defense is as good as ever and Buha believes he would be the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year if L.A. had a better record.
- Even though they aren’t winning, a lot of the Lakers’ offseason moves are working out, Buha adds. Lonnie Walker is fourth on the team in scoring and has been worth the investment of the mid-level exception; Troy Brown is starting and has been L.A.’s best 3-and-D option; and Juan Toscano-Anderson has provided energy and defense off the bench. An exception has been Patrick Beverley, who is posting career-low numbers in several offensive categories.
- The Lakers will be “prudent” with their first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, says Shams Charania of The Athletic (video link). With the team not even assured of reaching the playoffs, Charania hears that the front office may only be interested in “marginal” deals, rather than seeking a major trade involving those first-rounders.
AD would look good with the Knicks
He would. He’d look good on many teams. Problem is what Lakers would want in return.
The Lakers are gonna try to win with the group they have. They are cornered financially & their roster talent. (Ham was atleast straight about that) It won’t be pretty. No franchise wants to pay Westbrook, Beverly, Nunn, or Jones without compensation. Since the Lakers will have cap room next season, I think they do no trades if it requires 1st round draft picks. I would do the same. TalenHTucker for Beverly was a really bad trade, and he was cheaper than Lonnie Walker. Could have used the exception $ on 2 players better/equal to Lonnie Walker maybe? Pelinka traded Zubac for even less! Letting young talent walk is one thing, but trading them for nothing twice is NBA GM criminality & dereliction of duty. I know 13 year olds with more roster- construction sensibility.
I think it was Magic who let Zubac go for basically nothing
I think Magic was there, but had just left. I think this was Magic’s half season & the Zubac deal was the first deal Pelinka did without Magic that season. I could be off a season. It’s been a while
When did tht become a talent ?
As I’ve said before, Nets cut Kyrie. Lakers sign kyrie to a minimum deal.
Lakers may or may not trade Westbrook. If they do, purely for shooting. More trade options will become available soon.
Lakers season is redeemable.
Nobody wants Westbrook. Certainly not for a quality shooter. I’m sure the head cases of Kyrie, Westbrook, and Lebron will really mesh well.
D was a Lakers problem last yr. This yr they have no rim protector. AD at center works well in small ball. But they need good team D around him. And having that option to go big with him at the 4 and Bron at the 3. Is also a good weapon they don’t have anymore. Lakers just a mixed up team. And Westbrook is the fallout guy.
Another loss tonight to Clippers. They should have signed Howard. What’s to lose there. Soon they will have to make a trade. It’s going that way.
Word is already out, don’t draft Bronny.
LBJ is going to have his final season in LA with his son, his son will have a decent rookie year because Daddy will spoon feed him, he’ll finish 3rd in ROY because name valuey, LBJ will retire and Bronny will be out of the league and in a Australia after his rookie deal expires
His younger Son will come in and have a good pro career
Because, that’s how life goes.
Sorry Bronny
Lakers once again victims of a poor 3rd quarter. By point differential, they are the worst 3rd quarter team in NBA. That’s got to be on Coach Ham & his halftime adjustments, no?
There is only so much an under talented roster can achieve. The Lakers need a perfect storm of critical breakdown within other franchises, and a lot of good fortune to roll their way. That is asking quite a bit. Bronny James isn’t very good so far, but that could change. He is a growing young kid. I hope in about 2 years the Lakers have had a come to jesus moment, and draft the best player available rather than spend money appeasing senior citizens of L.A.