Los Angeles Lakers: Frank Vogel talks about Anthony Davis’ role

Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers recently talked about his plan for Anthony Davis this coming season.

One of the biggest discussions of the offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers has been what the plan will be for Anthony Davis.

Since acquiring Davis, we have seen a ton of reports and speculation about whether Davis will be playing power forward, center or both. As a versatile big man, Davis can really do it all on both ends of the court.

As a power forward, Davis can overpower smaller defenders. As a center, Davis can use his speed and ball-handling abilities to burn opponents. At both positions, Davis can stretch the floor on the offensive end and protect the rim on the defensive end.

Recently, Frank Vogel spoke to Steve Aschburner of NBA.com about what the plan for Davis will be next season. Here’s what he had to say in the interview.

"SA: This might be more of a training camp question, but is it important to determine whether Davis plays power forward or center?FV: It is, in this regard: To me, he’s effective in both positions. But I don’t think it’s wise when your mindset is to be at your best going into the playoffs, to have him banging with centers for 82 games full-time. Does that mean he’s never going to do it in the regular season? No, of course he’s going to play some center in the regular season. But we want to make sure we keep the end goal in sight and getting him to April, for that playoff run, the right way."

The comments from Vogel seem to be right in line with what Davis wants the plan to be. In the regular season, the plan seems to be to keep Davis at power forward as much as possible. With both JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard, Davis really shouldn’t be needed at the position in the regular season, except when the Lakers decide to play small ball.

However, in the playoffs, it is really all hands on deck. If the Lakers feel like they are a much better team with Davis as a mismatch at center, than that is where he will need to be.

The big thing really seems to be to get Davis to the playoffs healthy and ready. The Lakers can certainly compete for a title this season, but they don’t need Davis to be bruised and battered heading into the playoffs.

It certainly seems like Vogel and Davis are on the same page when it comes to using him next season. That is definitely encouraging to hear, as any disagreements could have been an issue.