Rоb Pelinka, general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, said during the Summer League that he and Darvin Ham had discussed using more two-big lineups with Anthony Davis.
Davis, who played both 4 and 5 throughout his time with the New Orleans Pelicans and his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, switched to playing only 5 in 2022–23. Davis dominated as a “centerfield” who could be moved over the field under Ham’s drop system, but the position eventually took its tоll on him. Especially in the postseason, his defensive duties limited his ability to consistently score and be аggressive.
When AD mans the 5 for the Lakers, they’ve always been better than their opponents. That will be his main responsibility. Center stage is where he’ll open and close. The Lakers are aware of this, as seen by the fact that they choose to surround Anthony Davis with the lanky, unpolished Jaxson Hayes and оffensive-minded Christian Wood rather than a stout defender (Hayes and Wood are decent rim defenders).
Ham and Davis avoided being labeled as certain positions during Friday’s Lakers practice.
For his part, Ham said, “I see him as a Һell of a basketball player,” when asked if he rated Davis as a 4 or 5.
It’s like, “Sh*t, who knows?” Davis gave his take on the same inquiry. “I’m a big guy who plays hoops.”
As the Lakers experiment with different lineups, Davis has gotten some practice time at power forward. He sounded relieved and rusty, to be honest.
“They were doing a good job, I was confused a lot,” he claimed of his time spent in Wood or Hayes’s company. During one possession, as I was slipping back to the 4, the coach yelled, “AD, run the corner!” I was dumbfоunded.
It’s been great. It’s a relief not to have to participate in 100 pick-and-rolls every game.
Davis has reportedly been showing the Lakers how he “did things” while playing with Julius Randle and DeMarcus Cousins in New Orleans.
According to Ham, Austin Reaves won’t play in the Lakers’ preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors this Saturday. After the FIBA World Cup, the Lakers are taking it slow with Reaves’ return to action (LeBron James will also take some time off). After a couple days of light scrimmaging, the Lakers reportedly removed the “training wheels” off Reaves on Friday. That was when Reaves turned on the lights. As for his performance, Ham said it was “unbelievable.”
“Austin had a Һell of a day today,” AD chimed in. Except for the one I challenged, I don’t think he made a single miss.
Davis was the most recent Laker to publicly criticize Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Jaden is a notable example. I’ve told the team and the coaches, “He can really play.” His motives are unclear. competent marksman who plays basketball. Excellent floor reading skills. Strong performer. The one player who has really stood out is Jalen.
Max Since the 2022 NBA Draft, Christie has put on “15-16” pounds of muscle, bringing his total weight to 205. Christie has noticed the change most in his defense. On Thursday, Ham said he believes Christie can handle positions 1-3 in defense.
After signing a maximum contract, LeBron James called Anthony Davis the “face” of the Lakers. Is LeBron telling Davis this behind Davis’ back? AD quickly said, “No.” Davis laughed and smiled broadly in answer, but his comment on whether or not the Lakers are “his team” was mirrored in his response. I believe this to be the Lakers squad. And I’m a member of the Lakers.
Ham has expressed a desire for stability in the starting lineup for the Lakers this year. For the previous two seasons, the Lakers’ starting lineup combinations have been among the best in the NBA.