The Los Angeles Lakers had numerous opportunities to win on Saturday. Nevertheless, the squad struggled to win 103-99, and All-Star big man Anthony Davis’ missed late-game free throws didn’t help.
Davis made four long-range tries during the game, but he only made half of them. It also didn’t help that he only had 10 points on 4-for-10 from the field. Although he contributed in other ways with his 15 rebounds and three blocks, his unreliable shooting that night had the fans at the edge of their seats.
Even with his struggles on the charity stripe, Lakers head coach JJ Redick still has faith in AD.
“I think that as a player, that stuff can weigh on you. I trust him. I believe in him. He’ll be in those situations again and I’m confident he’s gonna make the shot. This and the Orlando game, I’m not deterred in terms of having the basketball in his hands with under 30 seconds.”
JJ Redick: "The way we started these two games defensively is ultimately what gave us a chance to win, because that defense carried over for four quarters in both games." pic.twitter.com/KilDGJQsQO
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 22, 2024
Fortunately for the Lakers, they escaped the narrow defeat despite a disappointing game from Davis. In the 2024-25 NBA season, AD is averaging 26.9 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. the defensive big man looks to bounce back from his game against the Kings on Monday against the Detroit Pistons.
NBA Insider reveals what the Los Angeles Lakers are planning for Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James has been thriving in the G-League, getting valuable minutes and averaging 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Even with his play, NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that scouts believe staying with the South Bay Lakers would be beneficial for his growth.
“The unanimous view I heard from watching scouts at the Showcase is that James needs as much time as he can get in the G League to improve all aspects of his point guard play, from his floor game to (especially) his ability to make shots,” Stein wrote.
Sunday Best around-the-league NBA notes direct from the G League Showcase to go with your Sunday night NBA viewing: https://t.co/zwJEUJjzJ5 pic.twitter.com/to9jS1QkHI
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 23, 2024
While he’s showing signs of improvement with South Bay, many believe staying with the G-League team would work well for him. However, his father’s close friend and former NBA star Dwyane Wade wants the Lakers to call Bronny to be with the NBA team.
“Honestly, bring Bronny up, we want to see that. As a fan of the game, I am not looking at the Lakers and say they’re gonna win a championship. We want to see Bronny. This is not a championship team.”
DWade wants the Lakers to call up Bronny James:
“Honestly, bring Bronny up, we want to see that. As a fan of the game, I am not looking at the Lakers and say they're gonna win a championship. We want to see Bronny. This is not a championship team.”
(via Dwyane Wade’s ‘The Why’… pic.twitter.com/rdLRkbBTZ8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 21, 2024
In the NBA, the point guard is averaging 0.6 rebounds and 0.3 assists, which is the reason why he’s not with the Lakers.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
