Los Angeles Lakers: Charlotte Hornets push Lakers to limit, 4 lessons
By Ronald Agers
It took about three games, but Anthony Davis showed why the Lakers traded their future to win now!
There were many complaints and criticisms when the Lakers traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a number of draft picks for Anthony Davis. It’s time to let those discussions die, folks, it was worth it. Let’s just move on. The only way this move is a mistake is if the Los Angeles Lakers make it sometime this season.
In short, there are not many, if any big men on the planet that can match this guy’s skill and athleticism. Cody Zeller can attest to this because he was up close and personal for this highlight. To enhance your viewing pleasure, listen to the audio, it says it all.
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1188636343183667200
Fun fact for the Lake Show Life faithful. Anthony Davis was a point guard before his growth spurt. Fortunately for Zeller, Davis’ handles did not erode as he grew taller.
AD brings the ball up the court like he did when he was barely over six feet, then he hit Zeller with a killer cross over that would make Tim Hardaway jealous (Not his son in Dallas!), getting to the basket with an acrobatic layup.
Oh, he did some normal big man type stuff too.
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1188653523635847169
I think the message was received to everyone involved. Davis destroyed the Hornets in the first half scoring 25 of his 29 points. He also added 14 rebounds and 3 blocks.
He had a lot of help with his dominance in the paint. The Lakers do not have a big 3, they have a HUGE 3. When the Lakers’ big men are on their game, opponents will have issues scoring and rebounding the ball.
Common sense comes into play with an interchangeable frontcourt featuring three near seven-footers and LeBron James as the small forward. Take advantage of it and beat your opponent up inside. The Lakers exercised good judgment, dominating the Hornets in the paint, to the tune of 74-44. This stat going forward will be the gauge of how aggressive the Lakers are on offense.
Anthony Davis did go back to the locker room with an apparent shoulder injury but returned soon after.
In this game, Anthony Davis set the tone down low and the momentum stretched to the perimeter.
Anthony Davis played a great game, but this dude showed out last night.