Los Angeles Lakers: 4 lessons from Anthony Davis’ record setting night vs Memphis Grizzlies
By Ronald Agers
LeBron James did something in this game for the first time in his career, he played Robin.
This is not a slight against LeBron James. This is a major compliment here. The Los Angeles Lakers have to run the offense through Davis for a chance at the NBA Finals. Sure LeBron James said that the offense would run through AD in the offseason, but that’s not always a guarantee during the season.
For the last two games, LeBron has made it a point to get AD in rhythm to set the tone that has dominated two teams. LeBron James scored 23 points and dished out eight assists. Most of them were on pocket passes like these.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1189375993435381760
The pick and roll game with these two players is amazing. Looking back at the Clippers game on opening night, the Lakers completely abandoned the pick and roll only running it once the entire game. Since then, the Lakers made adjustments and honestly the offense has kept the Lakers in the last two games against weaker teams. The 3-point shot has not been there at all.
This game is the blueprint of what the Lakers need from LeBron James. The team no longer needs LeBron James to play near-perfect games to have a chance to win. Now the Lakers need him just to pick his spots and set the table and make his teammates better.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1189376174813634560
While the LeBron James running the point will be an ongoing issue for the Lakers until Rajon Rondo comes back, games like this are a building block for James to get acclimated to the role of being the superstar that keeps things on order while Anthony Davis dominates.
LeBron James will eventually have to come to a decision soon during this season. Will he be able to sacrifice his numbers when the Lakers fill their roster with Rondo and Kyle Kuzma‘s return. If he does, the Lakers really will be tough to beat. If he doesn’t and wants to enjoy the spotlight AD will be enjoying this year, the Lakers will be vulnerable.
Man, that Anthony Davis is good.