USA Today via Reuters
Nov 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) moves the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jarred Vanderbilt (8) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) moves the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jarred Vanderbilt (8) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, hoping for their third straight win. After two consecutive overtime games, the Lakers would be keen to get the job done within 48 minutes. With LeBron James out of action again, Anthony Davis needs to step up once again.
So far, AD has had an injury scare almost every game, and tonight has not been any different. Early into the first quarter, Davis appeared to injure his thumb once again. The Lakers were forced to take a timeout to nurse it, and fans were worried once again. The medic had to bandage his thumb, which was bleeding due to a cut.
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Fans were relieved to find out it was just a cut, since AD has had a thumb injury scare earlier. Without LeBron, the team lacked direction and leadership, and AD has just started to fill in that void. If he was forced out at this stage, it would hurt the Lakers massively, because they have already had a slow start.
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Lakers need a healthy Anthony Davis this season
When the Lakers traded away their young core for Anthony Davis in 2019, he was expected to lead the team alongside LeBron. And he started strongly, leading them to a title in his first season for the purple and gold. He was a close contender for Finals MVP as well, but eventually LeBron won the award.
Fans expected this to carry on, but last season, AD spent a lot of time on the sidelines. He just played 36 games throughout the 2020-21 season, and his health issues hampered the Lakers playoff ambitions too.
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
So entering the 2021-22 season, AD would have had a huge personal goal to do better. Although the Lakers now have another star in Russell Westbrook, the involvement of LeBron is only going to decrease with him turning 37 next month. So Lakers need AD to stay healthy and lead them especially in the regular season.
At his best, Davis is unstoppable on both ends. His post scoring is second to none, and he brings DPOY energy to the floor as well. So if he is healthy throughout the season, the Lakers will continue to be favorites.
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