Anthony Davis reflects on LA Lakers’ subpar defensive effort against Utah Jazz: “It was one of those nights where the team come in and were hot”
Anthony Davis was asked by a reporter how he assesses the LA Lakers' defensive efforts after their loss to the Utah Jazz. Davis thinks that the Lakers have nothing to worry about. LA struggled on defense against Utah, but the big man is making it known that it won't happen again. AD is confident that his team can bounce back from a lackluster performance defensively.
Davis pointed out that the Jazz came in hot into the Crypto Arena, especially having a 6-3 standing. Utah currently sits second seed in the West after snapping LA's two-game win streak on November 4. Anthony Davis acknowledged that they were the better team and promised that things would change after their previous outing.
"Still got nothing to be alarmed about," Davis said. "We can get back to where we need to be. It was one of those nights where the team come in and were hot.
"They did a really good job moving the basketball. cutting without the basketball, they get offensive rebounds, they did a lot of things. Our effort wasn't there tonight. I wish we can change."
Davis added:
"A lot of things that they were doing, that caused us to have bad defense was self inflicted. It's a good thing that it's all about us on what we can change individually and as a team."
Looking at Anthony Davis' season so far
Anthony Davis is having a good season so far despite the LA Lakers' bad start. He's currently averaging a double-double with 23.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 2.3 blocks. His best game so far was when they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on November 3. Davis ended the game with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks.
The LA Lakers are worried about Anthony Davis' back problems at the moment. He isn't necessarily injured, but he's feeling some tightness in his back and is just playing through the pain.
AD started the season healthy against the Golden State Warriors in their game opener. He then acquired back soreness after a defensive play against Kawhi Leonard, where Davis fell on the ground in their second game.
Luckily, AD didn't suffer any major injuries that would keep him out for long. Since the fall, Davis has played in their next two games before deciding to skip out on the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 29. Fans assumed that Anthony Davis would be out again for quite some time. Little did they know, the Lakers were just resting him for their next two home games.
Skipping the game against the Wolves ended up paying off for the Lakers. LA defeated the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans in back-to-back games, which freed the purple and gold from their slump. Davis seems to be managing his injuries well and looks like he's being cautious with the movements he makes on the court. Hopefully, Anthony Davis can stay healthy longer this season.