The Lakers are in a win-now position due to the rapid development of their young players. But they have made a mistake regarding Anthony Davis and it could cost them over time.
The “anthony davis first take” is a column that discusses the Lakers’ decision to trade Anthony Davis. The article argues that the Lakers are making a mistake by trading their franchise player for assets and not trying to win now.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on their way to another another dismal season in which they will finish far short of NBA championship contention. The Lakers have had to cope with star big man Anthony Davis missing a significant amount of time due to injury.
Davis’ health issues have been a major factor in Los Angeles’ inability to compete for a title. Despite this, the team has no plans to move him as part of their next major squad makeover.
Anthony Davis is stumbling through yet another season marred by injuries.
Lakers forward Anthony Davis reacts to a play during a game. | Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Anthony Davis changed his summer strategy after injuries wrecked his bid for a second consecutive NBA championship.
By hiring a new trainer, the famous big man modified his exercise program. His third season in Los Angeles, however, has followed an all-too-familiar trend, as he sustained an MCL injury in his left knee, forcing him to miss 17 games in a row.
Davis returned, but sustained a right mid-foot injury against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 16, which has kept him out for the last 16 games. Los Angeles is on the verge of losing out on the play-in tournament as a result of his absence.
Davis’ exit will not be part of the Lakers’ summer plans, which are expected to entail a big roster revamp.
The Lakers’ “win-now” mentality Is it pressuring them to make a blunder with Anthony Davis’ future?
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With the Lakers on the verge of a poor season, the team is anticipated to go through another summer of big personnel changes.
Los Angeles wants to make the most of LeBron James’ remaining window while he’s still at his best. On the New York Times’ Marc Stein’s podcast, Bleacher Reports’ Jake Fischer recently said that one of those possibilities would not include any consideration of moving star forward Anthony Davis.
“I don’t believe they’ll [trade him] at all, based on what I’ve heard and what they gave up to acquire him in New Orleans,” Fischer said. “I mean, the Lakers went all-in on Anthony Davis and LeBron James for as long as that partnership could stand, and I’d be surprised if it ended this summer.”
The Lakers went all-in on Davis by sending Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, De’Andre Hunter’s draft rights, a pair of first-round selections, and the rights to a first-round selection exchange to the New Orleans Pelicans. Two offseasons later, the team signed him to a five-year, $189.9 million contract that extends through the 2024-25 season.
Davis’ displeasure derives from his injury history, which has seen him miss at least half of the previous two seasons. His inability to play has harmed the Lakers more than anything else, fueling speculation that the organization should consider dealing him.
He’s still one of the league’s most skilled players when he’s healthy, but his durability is causing worry. Several clubs would take a risk on him based only on his skill, despite his health difficulties. Any transaction might result in a sizable trade package including draft picks and proven players. Moving Davis, on the other hand, may drive the Lakers away from their win-now mentality, something they can’t afford with James on board.
Davis’ persistent health troubles have not improved despite the organization selling numerous key assets to acquire him. His absence has, if anything, prevented the team from competing for an NBA championship. That isn’t to imply that dealing Davis is the best solution, but the club should at the very least assess the market to see what they can receive in exchange.
He hasn’t shown that if James retires, he can be the face of the franchise that the team can totally trust. His injury troubles are getting more impossible to overlook, putting the organization in a terrible position without him.
The Lakers aren’t convinced that dealing their great center will benefit them. All of this suggests that the front staff will rebuild the squad around James and Davis for at least one more season.
Los Angeles is still focused on making the playoffs.
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Even if the Lakers’ playoff chances seem poor, they still have control over their destiny in the play-in game.
Los Angeles is in 10th place, a game ahead of the Spurs and a half-game behind the Pelicans, who are seeded ninth. The last eight regular-season games, which include games versus the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets (twice), Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors, are frightening.
Following his first complete practice since sustaining a right mid-foot injury, Anthony Davis is approaching a comeback. Meanwhile, LeBron James’ health is uncertain after an ankle injury suffered against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. James and Davis are both expected to sit out Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks.
The Lakers aren’t out of the woods yet, but the odds are still stacked against them. Over the final stretch, their season’s destiny will be decided.
Spotrac provided the contract numbers.
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RELATED: Anthony Davis Admits the Painful Reality of Playing With LeBron James: ‘We don’t know how much longer he has.’
The Lakers’ Win-Now Philosophy Is Forcing Them to Make a Foolish Mistake Regarding Anthony Davis’ Future. The Lakers are currently in a win-now situation, which means they will have to make a foolish mistake regarding Anthony Davis’s future. Reference: lakers game score.
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