1. Getting Anthony Davis more involved
Don’t get me wrong, Anthony Davis has been excellent this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
While fans of the purple and gold were sad to see the likes of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart go, Davis has been more than able to make fans forget about how much the Lakers coughed up for him.
Whether it is his rim-rattling dunks, his bone-crushing screens, his blocking prowess or his ability to dominate his opposition on both ends of the floor.
In short Anthony Davis looks every bit the superstar that will lead the Los Angeles Lakers into the future.
But… he is having to work very hard at times to get his point on offense.
Coach Frank Vogel vocalized as much when asked about whether he would like to get Anthony Davis more shots. Vogel is quoted as saying,
"“There’s going to be games where he doesn’t get 20 shots because they’re going to double team him every time he touches it, and make him a facilitator. That doesn’t mean we don’t want to be creative in getting him the basketball in scoring position, not only facilitating position. That’s something I have to be better at.”"
While double teams are always going to occur simply because Davis is one of the best players on the planet, Vogel is very correct in saying that being more creative and getting Davis better looks will lead to not only higher numbers for Davis but better results for the Lakers.
With both LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the team, the Lakers should be focusing heavily on getting Davis involved in the pick and roll.
You have LeBron James, one of the best pick and roll facilitators in the game and Anthony Davis, one of the premier pick and roll threats. Do the math.
While they have used Davis in pick and rolls somewhat, it seems that a lot of his baskets have come from lobs and Davis forcing his way to the rim with his back to the basket.
If the Lakers get Davis more pick and roll looks then this offense could become devastating.
With the Lakers performing so well, there is plenty of reason for optimism, filling in any remaining holes could lead to great things for the purple and gold and here is hoping they do everything necessary to get them to the NBA finals.