Following a tough, narrow loss to the Phoenix Suns, Anthony Davis offered some perspective, emphasizing the challenging goal the Los Angeles Lakers have set for the season: never losing two games in a row. Reflecting on the Lakers’ first defeat after their strong 3-0 start, Davis highlighted that although an 82-0 season is an unrealistic feat, it’s how the team responds to losses that will shape their journey.
“Nobody in the history of winning 82-0. We don’t expect to lose. Realistically, We’re probably going to lose the game. Obviously, we didn’t want to start off with the first loss on this trip, but it happened. I like the way the guys competed. We played extremely hard, and we’ll bounce back against a Cleveland team.”
“4-0 team, another team is playing extremely well. So, you know, we gotta go in and try to not lose two in a row. Got to be mentality for us all year and never lose two in a row.”
Davis didn’t mince words regarding the team’s competitive spirit and high expectations. His tone was optimistic, seeing the potential in his team’s fight, despite the slip against Phoenix. For Davis, the goal extends beyond winning games; it’s about the team’s resilience and their ability to shake off losses quickly.
This “no back-to-back losses” mentality isn’t new to the Lakers or to Davis. The Lakers championed a similar approach in their 2020 NBA championship season, where they started the year 24-3, going nearly three months without consecutive losses. They saw value in maintaining momentum, even amid inevitable bumps throughout the season. Such consistency was key in their title run, and Davis seems keen to revisit that formula to build the Lakers’ strength this year.
The Lakers’ defeat to the Suns was marked by significant ups and downs. They started the game with a powerful 18-point lead, looking sharp and aggressive. But as the game progressed, the Lakers struggled with consistency, and Phoenix capitalized on L.A.’s second-quarter slump.
The Suns chipped away at the deficit and managed to pull ahead by halftime, flipping the momentum in their favor. The game was a reminder that, for all their talent, the Lakers still have areas to refine, particularly in sustaining defensive pressure and finding stability during rough patches.
Despite the result, Davis acknowledged the effort and focus the Lakers brought to the court, focusing on their competitive drive rather than the missed opportunities. His mindset reflects a desire to hold his team accountable while also acknowledging the natural course of a long NBA season. By prioritizing resilience over perfection, Davis is setting a tone that’s both realistic and ambitious, creating an environment where the Lakers strive to stay at their best, even after inevitable setbacks.
Davis’ personal performance has been nothing short of elite. Through four games, he’s averaging 32.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game—numbers that place him among the league’s top performers in scoring and rebounding.
He’s also played a significant role defensively, reinforcing the team’s energy and contributing to the Lakers’ early wins. Under new coach JJ Redick’s system, Davis’ role on both ends has been amplified, and he’s showing an aggressiveness reminiscent of his 2020 championship season.
JJ Redick, in his first season as Lakers head coach, displayed his usual intensity on the sidelines throughout the game. Though he admired the team’s competitive spirit, he was visibly frustrated by some of the mistakes that ultimately cost the game.
After a 24-second violation earlier in the game, Redick was even seen yelling at LeBron James for the lapse, making it clear that he holds every player to high standards, including the Greatest of All Time. In the post-game press conference, Redick took responsibility for the team’s performance, noting that his rotations and late-game adjustments could have been sharper.
As the Lakers head into their next match against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have started 4-0, Davis’ “no consecutive losses” mantra will be put to the test. The Cavaliers present a formidable challenge, but the Lakers have already shown an ability to compete against strong teams this season. For Davis and the Lakers, each game is an opportunity to embody the resilience he’s pushing for.
In the end, Davis’ ambition is clear: while an undefeated season isn’t on the agenda, the Lakers aim to be a team that bounces back quickly, showcasing the strength and unity of a championship contender.
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