The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to an ugly start this season, but it’s not yet too late to turn things around. With a little bit of effort, communication, and patience, the Lakers can become the team they hope to be one day.
But first, they will need a show of stability from Anthony Davis, who has been in and out of the lineup since winning the championship in 2020.
With so many games missed over the past few seasons, Davis set one of his early goals to play all 82 games.
“Honestly, just the past couple of seasons I’ve had, for me, it’s not been good years,” said Davis. “My personal goal is, one, to play as much as I can out of the 82 [games], and two, to get back to the level of basketball I know I’m capable of playing, which is being elite and dominant… If I do that, the rest takes care of itself. Whatever happens, happens. I’d rather have a championship. My personal goal is to be on the floor for every game and get back to being the dominant basketball player I know I am capable of being.”
Unfortunately for AD, that objective has officially failed as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Anthony Davis is out tonight, per the Lakers. Lower back tightness.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 28, 2022
It could also mean that Russell Westbrook, who was supposed to come off the bench tonight, could remain in the starting lineup until Davis’ return.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1586121982470389760
The Lakers plan remains to transition Westbrook to a role as the lead playmaker with the second unit, but Darvin Ham has a decision to make whether that role will begin tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 28, 2022
Either way, it’s more bad news for the Lakers who will not have to face the talent-stacked Timberwolves without their second-best player. Long-term, Lakers fans have some concerns that Davis will struggle to stay healthy this season — and it showed tonight in their reaction to the news.
https://twitter.com/DreLeww/status/1586121202678267904
Adam Silver shortened break between seasons cooked Anthony Davis forever
— Le5-6 (@deepyy_) October 28, 2022
AD said his goal was too play all 82 games and couldn’t even last 5 games with all due respect..
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) October 28, 2022
Ima say it.
The real reason why LAL has been what they are over the past 2-3 seasons is bc of AD. Whether it was injuries or bad play he’s the MAIN cause of all this.
He was supposed to be HIM! pic.twitter.com/HZNd4JB2D9
— Petty Cowboys Fan (@emanuelgodina) October 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/poku_szn/status/1586122266433425410
How bron looking at AD pic.twitter.com/gP65sMF9k0
— • (@ericmass_) October 28, 2022
trade AD
— cj (@crisgotfanz) October 28, 2022
i can’t deal with this anymore
— Jones (@lakerstjr) October 28, 2022
It might be this season where they decide to trade AD
— Dom (@weekend27) October 28, 2022
Most fragile athlete in history 😐
— 𝕶𝖎𝖗𝖇𝖘 (@BasedKirby) October 28, 2022
When the Lakers initially traded for Davis, they thought he would eventually take over when LeBron aged out. They never imagined that, almost four years later, that LeBron would still have to carry the squad in AD’s place.
Talentwise, Davis has it all. But the guy just can’t stay healthy, and I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t held the Lakers back.
Tonight marks just one missed game for AD, but it’s certainly not a good sign for him to be missing action this early on. And for a team that’s desperate for a win, they don’t really have the time to wait on Davis to get right.
