Anthony Davis remains quietly optimistic about Lakers' chances of winning against stern Timberwolves unit
Anthony Davis chose to take the quietly optimistic route when asked about the LA Lakers' opening night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Tuesday (Oct. 22). The center, in a presser with the reporters leading up to the clash spoke of what awaits LA and what the team's approach would be against a formidable Minnesota side.
While appreciating how the Timberwolves looked in the preseason, Davis also added what LA would do leading for the season:
"They looked good in the preseason. Minus the scores, for the most part they looked good on both ends of the floor. But what we do know is we gonna come in everyday put our heart and soul to prepare for every night, and put ourselves in the best position to win basketball games."
The Lakers went down 124-107 in their preseason opener against the Timberwolves. Davis and LeBron James did not play the tune-up game, but will feature on opening night with an objective of getting LA off to a winning start. LA ended their preseason with a 2-4 record.
Anthony Davis wants to be better than his previous season's version
A healthy Anthony Davis showed his versatility and dominance on both ends of the floor last season, and the big is determined to notch up his performance a level higher this time around. Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin:
“Being aggressive every time down the floor, being dominant every game. Doing my job, doing my part and helping this team do what we gotta do. Taking on a matchup defensively, taking on a role offensively, being a leader of this team, carrying us in games, playoffs, whatever it takes.
"We can’t rely heavy on our individual games. Obviously it’s a team effort in what we’re trying to build, but for me personally just taking it upon myself to make sure that I’m even better than what I was last year.”
Last season, Davis averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting a healthy 52% from the field. This season, with new coach JJ Redick asking him to up the volume of 3s per game, it's interesting to see if he can add consistent perimeter shots to his arsenal.
The Lakers will bank on Anthony Davis and James to get them through crunch games as they aim for another title. Only time will tell if the duo can get the franchise another championship.