The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of big dreams for the upcoming season, but they will need star big man Anthony Davis at the top of his game if they really want me competitive this year.
While LeBron James may be the leader and playmaker on the floor, the Lakers intend to play through Davis offensively, and he seems more than up for the challenge.
During a recent conversation with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Anthony Davis revealed the plans for him ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season. AD is really excited to show what’s new for the Lakers and make it clear that this team is ready to make a splash following a terrible season.
I’m so excited that I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about this year,” Davis told Yahoo Sports this week. “I’m looking forward to a healthy year and doing what I know we can do.”
Of course, that’s really just the beginning of AD’s responsibilities this year.
Anthony Davis Says Defense Will Be The Key To Success This Season For The Lakers
While he leads on offense, Davis will also be tasked with holding done the fort on defense as well, an area that Darvin Ham has put a special emphasis on ahead of the new season.
Davis said the team has bought into Ham’s defensive philosophy and he’s looking forward to it all coming together.
“That’s where we’ll be at our strongest, defensively,” Davis told Yahoo Sports. “I’m going to demand we stay committed and lead on that end, as well. I love playing defense. I think you’ll see a much different Lakers team, and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Defense is where Davis shined the most early on in his career, racking up blocks and contests under the rim with his big frame and long wingspan.
When the Lakers won the title in 2020, it was off the foundation of solid defensive energy, and it was a campaign led mostly by Davis.
If he can stay healthy and find his superstar form again, this could be a very different season for the Lakers.
Either way, their success is going to depend on their efforts defensively and Anthony Davis knows that as much as anyone.
It goes without saying that he will be key to a strong team performance.
