The Lakers will be relying on Anthony Davis to perform at his highest level if they are to salvage their season in the absence of LeBron James due to injury.
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The Los Angeles Lakers seemed to have worked out the kinks ahead of the end of the NBA season. After procuring D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Mo Bamba in the big Trade Deadline move, they had gone 4-1. This, together with the inconsistent availability of both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, resulted in the team’s record being below .500 during the regular season.
Ja Morant. 28 points in the 3rd quarter. Was just AWESOME to watch. pic.twitter.com/giozdk4ALB
— Rob Edwards (@RobertDEdwards) March 1, 2023
The physical superiority of Jaren Jackson Jr. is clear.
Jaren Jackson Jr's putback dunk over AD!
16 PTS | 7 REB | 4 BLK | W pic.twitter.com/mLUYRnQHcz
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 1, 2023
The Lakers had a higher three-point conversion rate by nearly 20 percent, making 13 shots from beyond the arc compared to the Grizzlies’ 6. Additionally, they won the rebounding battle 56-47. Nevertheless, despite the advantages and a great performance from Anthony Davis, the Lakers still lost the game by a significant margin.
Figuring matters out was accomplished, and then the queries transformed when the responses were seemingly revealed. The Lakers had 25 errors in their matchup with the Grizzlies, and that certainly did not aid their chances in scoring as it gave Memphis more opportunities, particularly on fast breaks where they seemed to excel. Nevertheless, Anthony Davis was only responsible for five of those miscues, which is more understandable given his usage in the game and the significance of his involvement.
- Dennis Schroder – 6 turnovers
- Austin Reaves – 4 turnovers
- Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Lonnie Walker IV – 3 turnovers
With LeBron James absent, the Lakers need Anthony Davis to be extraordinary in order to re-enter the playoff race in the competitive Western Conference. Alternatively, the “other guys” must improve from their second-half performance against Memphis, for L.A. to have a chance at success. This carelessness from the players the Lakers relies on most only amplifies the issue.
To an extent that is not achievable and also is part of the concern for the Lakers, Ja Morant is a stellar player in the league, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is an All-Star. Additionally, Xavier Tillman Sr. made it tough for Davis, who was clearly tired in the second half while collecting a double-double, and Desmond Bane had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists without even being mentioned. It is beneficial to have enhanced depth, but when the opposition’s stars like Morant and Jackson Jr. outshine a single star – Davis without James – it will be a difficult challenge for the Lakers on many occasions.
Anthony Davis was a beast last night 💪
28 PTS
19 REB
5 BLK
60.8 FPTS#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/7dVMFbXhsG— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) March 1, 2023
The Lakers were unable to withstand the attack of the Memphis All-Stars, even though they played at a high level. The Grizzlies are one of the strongest teams in the league, and with LeBron James out, the road ahead will be even tougher.
D’Angelo Russell will return prior to LeBron, which could be beneficial. Acquiring Beasley and Schroder in their intended positions will keep them from having to do too much. Although Russell is a great player, he cannot replace the void that LeBron James leaves.
The Lakers are constructed based on the notion of the combined strength of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Together, the two superstars will create a legacy in the basketball world, even as LeBron is at the peak of his career. James is still one of the top players in the NBA, and Davis has all the potential to be part of this elite group as well.
Without LeBron, Anthony Davis is expected to take on the responsibility of helping the Lakers to win a championship. Deals made at the trade deadline that does not involve Kevin Durant cannot relieve Davis of this burden. As time has gone on, it is expected to be Davis’ team, with LeBron as a supporting player among the NBA’s elite.
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