The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a major loss when Anthony Davis suffered a foot injury. The Brow was on a tear looking like his 2020 self. Playing dominant two-way basketball, the eight-time All-Star was single-handedly keeping the purple and golds’ hopes alive. However, in the matchup against two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, Davis hobbled his way to the locker room and hasn’t suited up since then. His woes might have ended any hope of a playoff berth for the 17-time champions. However, one executive sees AD’s injury as a light for the Lakers.
The 29-year center was playing out of his mind throughout the last 15 games. Anthony Davis brought out shades of his New Orleans Pelicans days taking command on both ends of the floor. His ferocious dominance in the paint and elite shot blocking paved the way for the Lake Show to make a much-needed comeback this season. In his last 10 games, Davis posted staggering numbers averaging 28.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest.
Likewise, his loss took a huge toll on the Lakers who have won just one of their last three battles. The Brow’s injuries might mark the end of the Lakers’ playoff hopes for this season. However, there is an upside where teams might be engaged in making trades with the purple and gold.
Anthony Davis injury could be good for the Lakers
In the offseason, the Lakers were desperate to find the right piece for their puzzle. However, with teams being aware of their urgent needs, the price tag always seemed high. Notably, their precious draft picks became the target of all the franchises. But that was the case before Davis went down. With Anthony Davis not a part of the rotation anymore, the Lakers are arguably in no position to compete for the title. And this could make other teams take it easy on the purple and gold.
The executive broke the news and said, “Another rival said that if negotiated properly, he felt the Davis injury could actually help the Lakers’ position in trade talks. The team’s sought leverage in talks since the summer, with much of the league viewing them as ‘desperate’ to make some kind of trade. That, plus the early-season timing of any talks, has kept the asking price really high. This executive thought a Davis injury of any real severity would give the Lakers leverage they haven’t had since the summer by giving them a very real reason to shut down talks and focus on the offseason.”
There is no real timetable established for Davis’ return from his foot injury. However, in his tome off the floor, the Lakers’ performances might determine the front offices’ next move. If the Showtime duo of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook can power their troops to a winning record, they might decide to keep their must-win approach for this season. However, if they fail to produce without Anthony Davis, Rob Pelinka might be on the lookout for the necessary talent.
High on the list of needs is a consistent shooter for the Los Angeles Lakers. Talks have surfaced about a potential return for Kyle Kuzma. The Washington Wizards forward is shooting 34.6% from three, a number the Lakers would drool over. In addition, he has also shown improvements as a defender being able to stay vertical and contest shots with his size.
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Timing is crucial for the purple and gold. On one end they have the liberty to focus on the next season. However, there is also the fear of losing LeBron James if they fail to make strides this season. What approach should the Lakers take for the season according to you? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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