Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham didn’t hold back his criticism of superstar Anthony Davis following their loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Lakers lost 127-100, with Davis scoring just 11 points in 33 minutes of play.
“We gotta go back and look at ways we can move ‘A’ around. Put him in different spacing, different actions and just try to diversify his attack,” Ham said after the game.
Davis had a phenomenal Game 1 against the Warriors, but he failed to replicate that success in Game 2. Warriors power forward Draymond Green played outstanding defense against Davis, preventing him from making a significant impact on the game. Ham’s comments suggest that the Lakers need to find ways to get Davis more involved and keep him from being limited by the opposing team’s defense.
Anthony Davis Game 1 vs Game 2 pic.twitter.com/gibart9Omq
— Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) May 5, 2023
This isn’t the first time Davis has been inconsistent in the playoffs. During the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies, Davis alternated between good and bad games. Although the Lakers managed to win the series in six games, they can’t afford for Davis to be inconsistent against the reigning NBA champions.
The Lakers had a golden opportunity to take a 2-0 series lead against the Warriors but blew it after a lackluster performance from Davis in Game 2. As the series shifts to Crypto.com Arena for Games 3 and 4, the Lakers will need to find ways to get Davis more involved in the offense to have a chance at advancing to the next round.
Anthony Davis in Game 1: 30 points, 23 rebounds
AD in Game 2: 11 points, 7 rebounds
What on earth… pic.twitter.com/AuppapYOFp
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 5, 2023
Anthony Davis’ inconsistency is a major concern for the Lakers in the playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a major setback in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Golden State Warriors. Lakers’ superstar Anthony Davis had a poor outing, only contributing 11 points and 7 rebounds on 45% shooting.
This isn’t the first time that Davis has had an up-and-down performance in the playoffs. While he had a tremendous Game 1 against the Warriors, his inconsistency in previous games is a cause for concern for the Lakers, especially since they need him to be their best player to win this series and have a chance at the title.
LeBron James, who is 38 years old, will have to carry the team on his shoulders if Davis continues to struggle. This is a huge burden for James, who is already playing at a high level despite his age.
If Davis doesn’t pick up his play and become a consistent force, the Lakers’ playoff hopes may be in jeopardy.
