Los Angeles Lakers power forward Anthony Davis has some loft defensively goals for himself and the team.
The Los Angeles Lakers have some lofty goals as a team this season thanks to their acquisition of Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. With Davis now on the roster, in addition to LeBron James, the team’s goal from a few years ago to have multiple superstars has finally come to fruition.
By having Davis and James on the roster, expectations have been heightened. The team is expected to challenge once again for a title, as the supporting cast around them is also solid.
With two players of that caliber, the team should find it much easier to score this season. Danny Green, Avery Bradley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jared Dudley and Troy Daniels provide excellent floor spacing for James and Davis to operate in the middle of the court. Don’t forget about third-year forward Kyle Kuzma, who can fill it up as well.
Offensively, the team should be much improved. Defensively is where the team will separate themselves and win basketball games.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Davis shared some thoughts on the team. In the process, he discussed the team’s defense and a lofty goal that he has set for himself.
"“I want to be Defensive Player of the Year,” Davis told Yahoo Sports. “I think if I’m able to do that, I can help this team win.And for me personally, I just want to be the Defensive Player of the Year. If we’re able to hold teams under 100 [points], which is probably unrealistic but it should be our goal, I think we’ll have a shot at winning the title.”"
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The holding of opponents under 100 points may be an even loftier goal than the one Davis set for himself.
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Last season, the Indiana Pacers held opponents to the fewest points per game, surrendering only 104.7. If the Lakers can hold teams under triple-digits, they will probably have the best record in the NBA given the offensive firepower they also possess.
As for Davis’ goal, that one will legitimately be in reach this season. He is a difference-maker defensively, as he has been named to three All-Defensive teams. In addition, he has led the NBA in blocks three times in seven seasons and is one of the few bigs in the NBA that is as comfortable defending on the perimeter as he is in the paint.
Davis’ ability to play defense in the pick-and-roll will be a major asset for Los Angeles. Given his athleticism and wingspan, he can terrorize guards on the perimeter and be a force in the passing lanes.
The only real thing holding Davis back is his health. He seems to deal with an abnormally high amount of nagging injuries throughout the season as he has played in 75 games only twice in his career.
Hopefully, the Pelicans sitting him at times last season will have him well-rested and ready to go for his first season in the purple and gold.