Anthony Davis, one of the Los Angeles Lakers star players, has been receiving criticism from fans for his inability to carry the team through some brutal losses.
The Los Angeles Lakers were riding high after a scintillating 7-3 start to the post-All-Star break, looking every bit like playoff contenders. However, their fortunes took a nosedive with back-to-back losses against the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks, leaving them struggling in the 10th spot in the Western Conference with a 34-37 record.
Fans have been left divided over their playoff prospects, with opinions ranging from bullish optimism to bleak pessimism.
One fan was quick to pour cold water on the Lakers’ playoff hopes, stating that “Anthony Davis can’t carry a team.”
no they won’t make it, AD can’t carry a team
— Mr Swooty🗣💯 (@SwootyMr) March 18, 2023
Another fan was more upbeat, citing their recent good form and asserting that “they should be able to make the playoffs.”
Yes, they will make the Playoffs. They're playing well down the stretch of the season. They should be able to make the Playoffs.
— Randy Ragsdale (@SashaMania36) March 18, 2023
A third fan believed that the team’s fate rested on the return of LeBron James, declaring that “if Bron can come back within the next week then yes, if not then hell no.”
If Bron can come back within the next week yes if not then he’ll nah Adisney ain’t leading them no where
— Nat Turner Grandson (@DepressedSteelo) March 18, 2023
Meanwhile, another fan was cautiously optimistic, predicting that the Lakers would make the play-in spots but falter before reaching the playoffs.
They’ll make the postseason, meaning the Play In. But no further.
— Alan S. (@alstan20) March 18, 2023
The Lakers’ latest defeat to the Mavericks was particularly painful, as they squandered a hard-earned lead in the closing moments, with Anthony Davis making a series of costly mistakes. The Lakers legend James Worthy dubbed it their worst loss of the year, and it was hard to argue with him. In clutch situations like these, you need your star players to step up and deliver, but Davis let his team down when it mattered most.
How did Anthony Davis handle the situation?
In the aftermath of the game, Davis owned up to his mistakes and took responsibility for the loss. He acknowledged that his foul on Maxi Kleber and subsequent missed free throw were crucial errors that cost them the game.
Davis also stressed the importance of improving their free-throw shooting, which has been a persistent issue for the team this season and has cost them dearly in several games.
With LeBron still sidelined, the pressure is now squarely on Davis to lead the Lakers through this tough stretch. He has shown flashes of brilliance in LeBron’s absence, averaging an impressive 27.7 points, 14.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game in 17 appearances.
The criticism from fans may be harsh, but it comes with the territory of being a star player in the NBA. If Anthony Davis can stay focused and play to his full potential, he may just be able to silence his doubters and lead the Lakers to glory.
