Los Angeles Lakers: Things continue to click for Anthony Davis, Lakers

Anthony Davis has the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers playing like a contender. 

Just a few weeks ago, the Los Angeles Lakers were 2-10 and there were more questions than answers about this team. LeBron James looked like Father Time was bearing down on him, Anthony Davis was already somewhat banged up and a constant on the injury report, and the team still hadn’t figured out the Russell Westbrook fit as the team’s starting point guard.

However, since then, it seems as if something has clicked for the Lakers. Since that moment that they were 2-10, the Lakers have gone 8-2. They’ve completely flipped the switch on their season and have effectively changed the talking narrative around this team.

And while there are many possible reasons why things have suddenly changed for the Lakers, it’s hard not to credit the play of Anthony Davis.

Anthony Davis has fueled the Los Angeles Lakers’ turnaround

LeBron has played much better since his return from injury and his mere presence has made all the difference for Los Angeles. And sure, the move of Westbrook to the bench is finally working for the team. Westbrook has been much better in that role and seems to be embracing it.

But it’s hard to look at the Lakers’ recent turnaround and not give AD his due flowers.

In their last 10 games, the Lakers have a top 5 offensive rating, a top 10 defensive rating, and the fourth-best net rating in the league. One big reason why? The explosion of AD and his embrace of being the No. 1 option for Los Angeles.

During the team’s 8-2 run, Davis is averaging 35 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists per game on 65 percent shooting from the field and 46 percent from 3-point range. AD has effectively taken his game to the next level and it has elevated the Lakers – something that we haven’t seen from AD in a very long time, perhaps since the 2020 NBA Finals run.

It’s a great sign for a team that needed a lifeline just a few weeks ago. All that said, it remains to be seen if this level of play is sustainable for the Lakers. They have a talented top of their roster, but I’m not sure if the team can continue to rely on AD averaging 35 points per game on historic shooting efficiency numbers.

But this recent streak may have saved the Lakers’ season. Despite their awful start to the season, the Lakers are just 3.5 games out of the third seed in the conference. At the very least, this recent streak has bought the Lakers a bit more time that they didn’t have just a few weeks ago.

More time until the front office decides what trade they want to or don’t want to make. I’m not sure if all is cured for the Lakers but at least for now, it seems as if everything is clicking for this team. And AD is at the center of one of the hottest teams in the league.