In the preseason, teams are usually just hoping to make it to the starting line healthy, as the numbers signify very little and the sample sizes are smaller than the puddles of perspiration that are generated, to quote Dan Woike.

But the Lakers have found some urgency in their six-game schedule and may have found their way to an unexpected offensive advantage.

Anthony Davis may be able to be more of a hub for the Lakers with his playmaking and not just his scoring now that the team seems to have found its rhythm in training camp and the key pieces are poised to build on last year’s success.

As Austin Reaves grinned Tuesday, “I don’t want to give AD credit [for] passing the ball,” he added of his teammate. He can pass the ball well. I think he can pull it off. As much as it pains me to say it, AD can do anything. Because of this, he is considered among the league’s best players.

With the players we have, we can finally spread the court out. AD places a premium on learning about opposing teams’ strategies and tactics. Once he starts making those plays, everything will get much easier for him.

Davis is a versatile player who has struggled to demonstrate it with assists. Last year, he topped his career average in assists per game with 2.6. This preseason, however, will focus on increasing that figure.

Seeing teammates on the perimeter when posting up is something Davis said he prefers. And they were there to grab the ball and make shots when it was thrown their way. But I’m just messing about with the pass. Our team goal this year is to improve upon previous season’s assist totals. And all it takes is a little bit of luck and some self-assurance from the guys to get there.