“If We Keep On This Trend..” Anthony Davis’ Massive Warning for Lakers Amid Horrendous Slump
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their worrisome streak against the Miami Heat. Despite facing a Jimmy Butler-less Miami, the purple and gold suffered a 96-110 defeat, bringing their 2023 season record to 17-18, dipping below the .500 mark.
Anthony Davis delivered a phenomenal performance, amassing 29 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, five assists, and 3 steals. Joining the standout effort was Austin Reaves, contributing 24 points.
However, LeBron James had an off night, only scoring 12 points. Furthermore, the cold streak was felt throughout the starters as two of them failed to register a single point throughout the game.
Anthony Davis has a stern warning for his crew
Speaking to the press, Anthony Davis asserted that the Lakers’ attention to detail falls short when it comes to securing victories. Moreover, he warned, “It’s a little bit of everything right now and if we keep on this trend, it’s not going to be good for us.”
“We got outworked tonight… It’s a little bit of everything right now and if we keep on this trend, it’s not going to be good for us.” Anthony Davis
pic.twitter.com/ur5F9Dv81f— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 4, 2024
Furthermore, AD urged the players to move beyond the squad’s rotational issues, emphasizing that each player on the roster possesses the skills to influence a winning outcome. Additionally, he attributed the early downfall of the Lakers to the 10 turnovers in the first quarter.
Overall, the Lakers’ haphazard performance tallied for 22 turnovers. They immediately fell to Miami’s efficiency in forcing turnovers as the Lakers had more turnovers than made field goals in the opening stretch.
Even though the Heat shot poorly for the majority of the game, the Lakers outdid them with their 4/30 shooting from the three-point range.
AD’s warning applies to Darvin Ham as well
Lakers’ Head Coach Darvin Ham is constantly under scrutiny for the squad’s uncertain endeavors. When discussing the recent loss against the undermanned Heat, Ham attributed the Lakers’ struggles to missing rotational players.
Moreover, he asserted that the absence of these key players hurt them more than the lack of Jimmy Butler affected the Miami Heat.
Considering LeBron James has frequently been listed as probable on the injury list this season, fans believe Ham should have anticipated and strategized for playing shorthanded.
Just like AD said, the Lakers are full of talented players who can rightfully hold their own. In the same light, Ham needs to execute the best possible strategy with whatever resources the roster offers.
Luckily, the trade possibilities are still available for the franchise, enabling them to make changes if the discontent continues.
However, with 40% of the season behind, Darvin Ham must leverage his coaching skillset and adapt to working around the challenges posed by injuries.
