Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis prefers to play power forward

Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers recently spoke out about his position of preference.

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to make the big splash that they desired this offseason, as they acquired Anthony Davis in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Last season, the Lakers tired very hard to acquire Davis before the NBA Trade Deadline. However, the deal never happened between the two sides and it resulted in a lot of drama for the Lakers.

With new management in the front office for the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers were able to get a deal done this summer. It might have cost the Lakers a lot, but they are getting one of the best big men in the NBA, who is just entering his prime.

During his introductory press conference, Davis talked about the position that he prefers to play. Here’s what he said via Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll.

"“I like playing the four, I’m not even going to sugarcoat it. I like playing the four, I don’t really like playing the five,” Davis said with a chuckle, before looking over at head coach Frank Vogel and revealing that even if he’s willing to wield his power, he considers this to be an oligarchy rather than a dictatorship.“But if it comes down to it, Coach, and you need me to play the five, I’ll play the five,” Davis said."

Davis preferring to play power forward isn’t really anything new. While he did play the five in New Orleans at times, he certainly prefers to be a power forward. Luckily for the Lakers, they should be able to keep him at the four position for most of the season.

In free agency, the Lakers were able to sign both JaVale McGee and DeMarcus Cousins. Both of them can play the center and allow Davis to be a power forward. Since Davis is a strong shooter for a big man, spacing should be no issue in these bigger lineups for the Lakers.

With the way the roster is constructed for the Lakers, Davis might only have to play center if they choose to go small to close out games. While he might not like the position, Davis is very capable of dominating at center. However, keeping him at the four should help avoid some wear and tear over the course of the season.