via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 07: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 07: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP
The Los Angeles Lakers have disappointed so far in the Bubble. After starting with a big win against rival Clippers, they fell off. They only won three games out of the eight they played. Their superstars, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, look concerningly out of form. That is a serious issue, especially since many former players have pointed out they will be the main player for the Lakers in the postseason.
Recently, retired 8-time All-Star Vince Carter also expressed the same thoughts. He said Davis will need to post monster numbers for the Lakers to win.
“He’s going to need monster numbers until they figure out the third guy,” Carter said. “Kuzma is very capable of being the third guy. But playing through Anthony Davis will make it easier for the Lakers, it’ll open up shooting. Somewhere between 30 points and at least 12 rebounds a game.”
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“Not only outside, (but) I’d like to see him work in the post more, getting the Lakers into the penalty to get free throws and score without the clock moving. He has to play great from start to finish.”
New playoff situation for Anthony Davis
Previously with the Pelicans, Davis was part of an underdog team. The Pelicans were never expected to win. But with the Lakers, not winning the title would be a failure. Carter said, “When you come into a situation like Anthony Davis’, when you’re the underdog, you just go out there and play and you swing for the fences and see what happens. Now when you’re the favorite, the pressure is to go out and play perfect basketball.
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“He has the luxury of a LeBron James on his side, who can lead him when he’s not playing well. He is the most important player for their team right now. You need Anthony Davis to play at a high level for them to accomplish that goal and at least make it to the Western Conference Finals.”
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Davis and the Lakers now play the Blazers in their first-round matchup of the Western Conference. The Blazers, led by Bubble MVP Damian Lillard, are one of the hottest teams currently and the Lakers will need to be at their best to beat them.
