Barely an hour before tip-off, the Los Angeles Lakers got some inopportune news. Anthony Davis was downgraded to out dealing with plantar fasciitis. It had an instant hit on the energy around the Crypto.com arena. Facing the Brooklyn Nets without their anchor, the game featured 22 lead changes. In the end, though, the Lakers survived after their former soldier D’Angelo Russell missed from three.

For JJ Redick, he saw some old worries pave the way for the Nets to pose a threat tonight. Notably, without Davis, Los Angeles was outrebounded 46-35 by the Nets, generating 13 more second-chance points. Luckily though, Davis’ injury worry doesn’t seem as serious as Redick revealed the positive update after the game.

According to Mike Trudell, the Lakers head coach expects to have Anthony Davis fully fit for Sunday when the Lakers take on their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. Additionally, Dorian Finney-Smith, who missed tonight’s contest for personal reasons, is also said to return for the LA clash on Sunday.

Anthony Davis’ return is vital for the Lakers when taking on the Clippers. The neighbors have been on a blasting run. In addition, with Kawhi Leonard back, defending the myriad of threats will be essential in the matchup. Furthermore, Ivica Zubac, an imposing center could trouble the Lakers on the glass.

For those purposes, Redick needs Anthony Davis to be fully prepared. Not only that, but their weakness in crashing the glass is exactly why the rookie head coach asked for their latest signing.

The critical change that JJ Redick needs Anthony Davis for

Offensively, the Lakers have been well organized. They are in tune and protect the ball well, ranking the 6th lowest in turnovers per game. However, defensively, there have been numerous unfoldings that allow their opponents to stay close. Notably, the $185 million roster’s poor rebounding has cost them greatly.

The Lakers allow the fifth most second-chance points, averaging 15 points per game. The main reason identified by Redick is their lack of size. “Teams are trying to get AD away from the basket,” said the Lakers HC. To tackle that, the Purple and Gold signed Trey Jemison III, a physical center who has instantly become part of Redick’s new tactic.

With the additional possessions hurting the Lakers in recent games such as tonight, JJ Redick wants to experiment by going back to a “two-big lineup”. This would allow Davis to operate at the four while either Jemison or Hayes play center. This is to ensure the Lakers have an additional body that can secure rebounds and prevent opponents from capitalizing on their lack of size.

With Jemison in particular, even though on a two-way deal, Redick plans to use him in various scenarios. “So for Trey, I think he’s gonna have an opportunity at times to be out there with AD. He’s gonna have an opportunity, at times, to play solo big, depending on who’s available,” he said about the 25-year-old center.

Playing such a combination against a fast-paced and tenacious team like the Clippers could be beneficial for the Lakers. Do you think a tandem of Davis and Jemison could help the Lakers address their core weakness? Let us know your views in the comments below.