Both the LA-based franchises, the Lakers are 2-2 in their playoff run and so are the Clippers in theirs. However, the former unit is at a huge disadvantage because they have Anthony Davis injured and no home-court advantage for the upcoming games.
This season for the Lakers has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. They started on a high note but saw their star duo sitting out for an extended period. But they made a strong comeback as the squad closed the regular season with a five-game win streak and then a sixth victory against the Warriors.
Can the Lakers pass this sunny test without Anthony Davis?
On February 14, Anthony Davis had injured his Achilles playing against the Nuggets. Post that, he had missed 30 straight games to take enough time and ensure a 100% recovery. Now coming back, in the last week, he had complained of knee soreness and had been on the Lakers’ injury list from Game 2 itself. But it wasn’t until he hit the floor in Game 4 that the star had to finally sit out.
In a recent interview, NBA reporter Dave McMenamin found some positivity in this troublesome hour for the Lakers. He backed the solo show of King James and detailed, “Lakers can keep their head above water so long as they have LeBron even when there’s no AD. They went 11-7 during the regular season when that happened. And going back in the archives, Frank Vogel knows all about being on the receiving end of LeBron’s one-man dominance in the playoffs… A Lakers source told me, ‘any AD is better than no AD’. But if you want more historical context while LeBron’s equipped for this moment even if Davis can’t go, consider his 14-0 record all-time in first round of playoff series. Phoenix is facing perfection.”
Read also – LeBron James and Jae Crowder: A Timeline of Their Relationship
Who will come to the rescue in the absence of AD?
After Game 4, a confident LeBron James had said how they’ll have the next man up to replace AD if the need be. However, it would be impossible for them to find a defensive replacement for The Brow.
Just as former college Basketball coach Seth Greenberg added, “His ability to protect the rim, contest shots, he’s one of the top five players in the NBA. You can’t just take him off the team and expect to be the same basketball team.” Further, he rightly pointed out how even Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is questionable to play because of his quad injury. Now, KCP’s absence won’t affect the offense as much as it would inflict harm on the team’s defense.
The 65-YO retired coach further expressed, “Anthony Davis takes pressure off LeBron James. How many times he has got to the line in the Lakers’ win? Why, because he catches, and he rips, he attacks, he puts pressure on the defense… Where is Montrezl Harrell? The guy who won 6MOY a year ago can’t enter the game. Harrell and Gasol need to play. Gasol because if LeBron is going to play big minutes and be aggressive, you’ve got to open up the floor.”
That’s true because the Suns oftentimes double-team AD and that allows some breathing to LeBron. Plus, Gasol’s passing ability can come in handy with floor spacing if Kyle Kuzma picks up his scoring to help the side along with bench leader Montrezl Harrell.
Do you see the Lakers taking Game 5? Help us know in the comments.
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The post ‘Can’t Just Take Him Off’: Former Basketball Coach Unsure if Lakers Can Win in Anthony Davis’ Absence appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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