Anthony Davis frustrated with LA Lakers' poor start to NBA season: "We don't want to be 2 and 8 at all ... is a hard pill for me to swallow"
Anthony Davis is upset with the way the LA Lakers' season is going so far. He openly expressed his frustrations after the 139-116 loss against the Utah Jazz. AD also pointed out that injuries within the roster are starting to get in the way of their hopes of winning games:
"Honestly, it sucks. We don't want to be 2 and 8 at all. We had guys out. Pat and Lonnie didn't play, Bron, and Dennis Schroder is yet to play. It sucks for sure. 2 and 8 is a hard pill for me to swallow."
In the same postgame press conference, Anthony Davis explained why the Lakers have been struggling to win games. Davis thinks the team's third-quarter performances in most games have contributed to defeats.
Despite the Lakers being a top-10 defensive team so far, AD mentioned that the team hasn't been performing efficiently on defense in recent games.
Anthony Davis' dominant performance wasn't enough to carry LA to victory in Utah
Anthony Davis put on an exceptional offensive performance in their game against the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't enough to help the Lakers win. AD was the scoring leader with 29 points. He successfully bullied his way to the basket all night long, going up against Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk.
Whenever AD was off the court, it was Russell Westbrook who took over for the Lakers. Westbrook produced another brilliant performance off the bench. He had 22 points and five assists. Russ shot 57.1% from the field, including 66.7% from long distance.
In the absence of LeBron James, Kendrick Nunn stepped up and became the Lakers' third option for the game. Nunn finished with 18 points and shot an efficient 63.6% from the field.
With such great numbers, how did the Lakers end up losing? As mentioned by Anthony Davis, the team lacked defense and it was clear that they had trouble stopping the Jazz.
Jordan Clarkson was on fire in the first quarter and made four-of-five shots from deep. Lauri Markkanen suddenly found his rhythm in the third quarter and denied the Lakers any chance of a comeback. It was another monster performance by the Utah Jazz. They are now 9-3 and top the West.