Lakers Head Coach Reveals Team’s Improvement Areas Ahead of Game Against Clippers

The NBA is very close to returning to action with the seeding games. Yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers won their third and final scrimmage game against the Washington Wizards. With two victories out of three in the scrimmages, the Lakers now have to shape up well ahead of a crucial game against the LA Clippers.

The Lakers taking on the Clippers on the opening night of the NBA’s return is what we all want. LeBron James against Kawhi Leonard is the kind of action is what was missing all these months. As the Lakers prepare to avenge their Christmas day loss, head-coach Frank Vogel gave an update on the fitness levels of his players. 

Vogel mentioned about the Lakers’ downside in the three games that he’s witnessed. “Vogel said free throw shooting and transition defense are two areas of focus for improvement for the Lakers, though he does think they’ve made progress there,”  Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet wrote.  

Dwight Howard and Kyle Kuzma missed the action against the Wizards due to the knock that they experienced in the previous game against the Magic. Mike Trudell posted Vogel’s update on the matter on his Twitter account. 

Are the Los Angeles Lakers going to be without Anthony Davis in their first seeding game?

The Lakers vs Clippers rivalry just got really intense this season. With the introduction of Kawhi and Paul George into the team, the Clippers have become well-shaped and a more balanced team this year. 

On the other hand, the Lakers have arguably the two best players in the league. AD and LeBron are wonderful partners on the court, who compliment each other so well. However, Anthony Davis was poked in his eye in the game against the Magic, which caused him to sit out for the Lakers’ final scrimmage. 

It was an anticipated move from coach Vogel. He has to rest his star player for the upcoming seeding games, which remain the priority. But how serious is AD’s injury? He got poked in the eye and Frank Vogel informed that AD didn’t train with the team today. There is also a concern, which was reported by Mike Trudell:

“Frank Vogel said @AntDavis23 did not practice today as his eye is still bothering him. He’s day-to-day at this point. Vogel said there “is some concern” Davis would miss Thursday’s game, but he’s “hopeful” that Davis will play.”

Lakers fans will be hugely bothered upon reading this news. However, the team is playing it safe by keeping AD away from any action until his eye is fully healed. A poke in the eye during a competitive basketball game can surely be a painful one. We hope whatever’s bothering Davis’ eye gets cured and that he is able to make the starting lineup for the Clippers game. 

SOURCE: Mike Trudell’s Twitter