Lakers: Anthony Davis’ extended absence further complicates LA’s woes
The Los Angeles Lakers must learn how to win without Anthony Davis to salvage the season.
If the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t have enough of an uphill battle up the Western Conference standings after a rough start to the season, it’s about to get even tougher. Anthony Davis, who has been one of the team’s steady rock this season, is expected to miss extended time with a knee injury.
Officially, Davis will miss at least four weeks due to a sprained MCL which he suffered in the Lakers’ loss Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Through roughly the one-third mark of the season, the Lakers are 16-14 and sitting in the sixth seed of the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers have been decimated by injuries this season (on top of what the team is currently having to endure due to health and safety protocols revolving around COVID-19) as LeBron James and Talen Horton-Tucker have each missed at least 10 games already this season. Additionally, two of the team’s quality additions during the offseason – Trevor Ariza and Kendrick Nunn – have yet to play a minute this season for the Lakers due to injury.
Interestingly enough the Lakers are both 8-7 in games in which both AD and LeBron are active and also in games in which one misses. Though, you’d have to think that it’s better for the Lakers that the team has them both in the lineup.
Without AD, despite his recent criticism, the Lakers are going to struggle – and on both ends of the floor.
AD has struggled this season but it’s not going to be easy for the Lakers to simply replace the production that he was bringing every night on both ends of the floor. AD is averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game on 52 percent shooting from the field.
He’s a quality defender and LA’s interior defense is going to suffer even more.
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It may be a bit rash to consider the Lakers’ season over, but it’s in extreme danger. Without Davis in the lineup, the Lakers are going to fall down the standings and will be faced with an uphill battle to make the postseason whenever he returns.