The Los Angeles Lakers picked up their sixth win in seven games by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 112-107 on the road tonight, improving their team record to 26-18 and solidifying themselves in the top-six race for the West.
Anthony Davis was the main reason for this win over the Hornets, recording the fifth 40-20 game of his career. LeBron James gave Davis his plaudits after the game in his post-game media interview, admitting that Davis carried them to this win.
“Locked in, just dominant from start to finish. Obviously, in the first quarter, he had a double-double. He carried us tonight in our first game on the East Coast. He did everything, he had it all going.”
LeBron on Anthony Davis: "Locked in, just dominant from start to finish."
Catch the Lakers action on Spectrum SportsNet+ with the NBA app for Spectrum customers with both Internet and mobile services.
🔗: https://t.co/k8Sa1tLkWs pic.twitter.com/akji5OBYTG
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 28, 2025
Davis had 42 points, 23 rebounds 2 assists and 2 blocks during the game, recording a first-quarter double-double by outscoring the entire Hornets roster in the first 12 minutes. He reacted to his performance by giving his teammates the credit for putting him in a position to have the success that he had.
“The shot was just feeling good. The teammates did their job in setting me up, especially Austin. In the pocket, the jumper, getting to the line, offensively the game was working. I missed two threes but yeah, it’s the entire team and not just me. The way we’ve been playing, moving the basketball, playing for each other, and not caring who scores as long as we score. I think things have just been able to open up for me.”
Anthony Davis (42 PTS, 23 REB) reflects on his dominant performance against the Charlotte Hornets. pic.twitter.com/2NYWjSRj70
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 28, 2025
This was a strong win for the Lakers as they leaned on their stars who delivered. LeBron James had 22 points (9-17 FG), seven rebounds, and eight assists and Austin Reaves had 17 points (5-14 FG), five rebounds, six assists, and three steals. While Reaves did struggle in terms of efficiency, he was an aggressive defender and a reliable ball-handler for the Lakers all game.
Anthony Davis Wants The Lakers To Fulfill His Needs
Anthony Davis is the best player on the Lakers now, a fact that even LeBron wouldn’t be shy to admit. If Davis is the No. 1 option, the team should be doing whatever they can to ensure he’s happy.
Well, he’s made it clear that his happiness is linked to the team adding a center before the trade deadline so he can play as a power forward.
“Well, defensively, just bringing another big out there, we’ve seen it with Jaxson, we’re a little bit more disruptive. Offensively, it just allows me to float around a little bit more. I only started playing the 5 in 2021.”
“I’d have stretches, but I was primarily a 4. My whole career I’ve been playing to 4 and we’ve seen how I play. I just feel a little bit more effective… But the front office knows that. I’ve told them every year I’ve been here, so it’s nothing new.”
The pressure to get a center has existed for a few seasons but GM Rob Pelinka hasn’t given into his star’s requests until now. When Davis has a 40-20 game, it’s hard to see why he shouldn’t remain the team’s starting center given his skill set. Nonetheless, Davis wants big-man help soon.
He’s averaging 26.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game this season. With his production and the wins the Lakers have added to their name over the last two weeks, it might be time for Pelinka to admit he could have a real title core in place. All he needs to do is make roster tweaks through the trade market without holding onto assets as aggressively as he has been.
Hopefully, something changes, or else a demotivated Davis could drag the Lakers just as easily as he’s helped them rise.
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