The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to find the magic that led them to the 2019-20 NBA Championship this season as the Lakers are trying to build through a very depleted roster. The leading players that give the Lakers hope of contention are LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
When Davis joined the Lakers in 2019, he and LeBron both spoke about how AD will be the offense’s highlight. This was reflected in the season, as Davis averaged more points than LeBron, who averaged a career-high in assists. With AD being injured for chunks of the last 2 seasons, LeBron has taken the load on his shoulders, and the Lakers haven’t had much postseason success.
The Lakers will be going back to running through Davis, as Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports has revealed that Darvin Ham wants to run the offense through AD, and LeBron has already given his approval to the coach. Coach Ham also previously has emphasized he wants to see LeBron be the primary playmaker and ball-handler for LA.
LeBron and Darvin Ham allegedly agreed that Anthony Davis should be the focal point of the Lakers' offense. 👀 pic.twitter.com/RXDEIuwlK9
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) August 10, 2022
“Furthermore, the first-year head coach said one wrinkle he will implement and stick with is having the offense run through Anthony Davis, and James concurred, sources said. The team has been encouraged with Davis’ offseason progression and believe he’ll be in optimum shape to avoid serious injuries and carry a heavier load.” (h/t Chris Haynes – Yahoo Sports)
38-year-old LeBron shouldn’t be expected to shoulder the heavy load of the season upon himself as it took a lot out of him last season. Davis is younger and is supposed to be a part of the Lakers’ long-term future, unlike LeBron, who is a free agent next season and nearing retirement.
If the Lakers can figure out their roster around LBJ and AD, this strategy may work out well. LeBron has proven he is a gifted playmaker, and Davis will be the beneficiary if LeBron takes up that role again to ensure Davis is being fed and is dominating the inside.
