One of the main problems with the Los Angeles Lakers over the last few seasons has been staying healthy. Anthony Davis was hurt in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, completely shifting the balance of the first-round series and allowing the Phoenix Suns to go on their title run.
Davis has played around half a season in each of the last two years and LeBron James has missed time as well. James has already missed time this season and with the team playing better without him, it has sparked some interesting discourse.
Davis came into the season with a lingering back problem that was worrisome for Lakers fans. While he mostly played through it, Davis’ injury history does not give him the benefit of the doubt. It seemed like only a matter of time before a lingering issue turned into a serious one.
Those worries can be wiped away for the time being. After yet another dominant showing against the Phoenix Suns, Davis told Lakers fans exactly what they needed to hear about his back and how he is feeling as a whole.
Davis on his dominant stretch (last four):
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 23, 2022
“I don’t need any motivation. I go out here and play basketball. I think I finally just caught a rhythm … and also dealing with the back (had been an issue).”
He said his back feels really good now, and he’s able to play like himself.
If Anthony Davis can avoid injury the Lakers can be dangerous.
While it might not seem like it right now with a 5-11 record, if Anthony Davis can stay healthy and keep playing at the level that he is playing then the Lakers could actually start to make some noise in the Western Conference.
Several things would also have to happen on top of that, though. LeBron James would need to not only get healthy but turn his play around as he has been bad (for his standards) this season. LeBron gets the benefit of the doubt, though, and when it really starts to matter he will buckle down.
The team would also have to find a Russell Westbrook trade that improves the team. While Westbrook has not really been the problem so far this season, he still has the same holes in his game that can hold the team back in key moments, such as crunch time against the Suns.
If the Lakers could flip Westbrook for a package that improves the team, like the Buddy Hield and Myles Turner deal, then they will be more cohesive as a unit. With a deeper rotation, LeBron playing better and Anthony Davis staying healthy, this suddenly can look more like the 2019-20 team that we all miss.
I know that the Lakers have their problems but when Davis is playing at this high of a level those problems can be swept under the rug. Over his last four games, AD is averaging 35.5 points, 18.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.5 blocks per game.
Russell Westbrook’s likely next team after the Lakers is revealed
Whether he is traded or plays out the rest of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, we may already know where Russell Westbrook will play next.
That might not be sustainable for an entire season but it is clear that Davis is back to being the dominant big man that we all know he can be. All he needs to do is stay healthy.