LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the Los Angeles Lakers’ crucial duo on the court. Their dynamic changes this season as Davis opts for more offense, which, for an ESPN insider, has concerning effects, even recalling James’ teamwork with past teammates.
James and Davis established a powerful connection throughout their seasons at the Lakers, with the latter’s focus on defense. However, JJ Redick’s coaching strived to turn AD into an offense threat this season.
For Ramona Shelbourne, ESPN’s senior writer, Davis’ switching roles gave birth to the Lakers’ struggles this season.
In the “Mason & Ireland Show,” Shelbourne highlighted how the Lakers’ significantly slowed on the court due to their dependence on Davis.
“The Lakers have been top five in pace the last few years. Playing through LeBron, they play fast. This year, they’re one of the slowest teams. Why do we think that is? Playing through Anthony Davis. If you’re going to play through AD, it’s a different game,” Shelbourne said.
“I think with LeBron and AD, LeBron is always going to default to ‘it’s my team,’ … & he’s going to keep doing that until somebody demands it” @ramonashelburne #LakeShow
Can the Lakers make things work this year running the offense through AD? pic.twitter.com/rkujmSppQF
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) December 6, 2024
Shelbourne highlighted how Davis needed to prove he could take over LeBron James’ role as the Lakers’ spearhead. James always made crucial decisions with the team when he has the ball.
“I think with LeBron and AD, LeBron’s always going to default to like, ‘It’s my team, I’m gonna make us win, I gotta have the ball, I gotta do it.’ And he’s gonna keep doing that until somebody impresses him enough to say, ‘Alright, you do it.'”
The ESPN sportswriter then brought up how LeBron James gave only two players authority, compared with his current collaboration with Davis.
“Do you know who’s ever done that to him in his career? Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving. Those are the only two guys I can say… who have said, ‘Give me the d**n ball,’ and LeBron said, ‘Okay.'”
The Lakers’ use of Anthony Davis as their new source of offense brings them to their standing of 12-11, struggling with a consecutive three-game loss. Their next game is against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
LeBron James optimistic amidst loss against Atlanta Hawks
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers faced setbacks as the Atlanta Hawks snatched the victory from them. James, who heated up in the game, remains to look forward amidst lingering criticisms.
In Jovan Buha’s interview, James is grateful to continue contributing generously to the Lakers despite his old age.
“Just going out there and play the game the right way. Compete at a high level. Time is very limited on how long I’ll play so, I’m just happy to still be able to play the game at that level,” James said.
LeBron James made another triple-double against the Hawks, scoring 39 points, ten rebounds, and 11 assists. However, his stint with the Lakers remains uncertain as people see him entering his “Father Time.”
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
