After winning the NBA championship in 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to make the playoffs in 2021 and were eliminated entirely in 2022. According to ESPN, star forward Anthony Davis wanted the Lakers to prove themselves this season.
“We’re treating this season like we have a chip on our shoulder. We’re the underdogs,” Davis told ESPN. “Obviously, the world is looking to see what we do. But … they’re not talking about us, and that’s fine. You know, we’d rather be under the radar.”
Due to injuries, the All-Star forward has only appeared in 76 games over the last two seasons. He missed 42 games in 2021-22 due to knee and foot injuries. Despite his limitations, AD averaged 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game last season. Davis is fully recovered for the 2022-23 season, and there are clearly high expectations for him.
The former Pelicans forward promised that he would help the Lakers get back on track this season in the same way that he helped them win the NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble.
“Be more aggressive,” Davis said. “I started getting in my own head a lot last year. I don’t think a lot of people know that … Just knowing how much better I could have been.”
Last season failure
Last season was a disaster for the Lakers. They finished 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 33-49. Los Angeles was unable to sign a number of veteran free agents. Los Angeles was 22nd in 3-point shooting and 21st in team defense.
The nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook was also heavily chastised for the Lakers’ struggles last season. Westbrook shot 29.8% from deep, was sloppy with the ball (3.8 turnovers per game), and ranked 386th out of 605 players in individual defensive rating.
Westbrook said that he and new coach Darvin Ham established a consistent level of confidence in communication.
“Me and Darvin have been in communication since Day 1,” Russ said. “Just being able to connect with him right away was extremely important to me.”
Westbrook also appeared more open to the idea of playing a smaller role in starting and ending games in 2022-23, after sitting in key moments on occasion last season.
“Whatever I’m told, I’m told,” the former MVP said. “I’m just happy and blessed to be able to play the game I love.”
There are no assurances that Russell Westbrook will be a starter for these Los Angeles Lakers, nor assurances that he’ll remain this season. Nevertheless, he promises this: “I’m all-in on whatever it takes for this team to win.” Story on ESPN+: https://t.co/FbaLqBJhAR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 25, 2022
“He’s been awesome,” Ham said regarding Westbrook. “Everything I’ve asked of him, he’s done. Anytime we call on him, talk to him, everything has been about being selfless, being team-oriented, having a defensive mindset and holding him to that”
“Words that came out of his own mouth that, you know, that he’s going to be at a very high level defensively along with the rest of our roster.”
In agreement with his coach, superstar LeBron James also believes Westbrook can help the Lakers win this season.
“I look forward to being a part of the journey with him this year, and I’m looking forward to a great year for him,” said James. “And I’m going to be right there with him.”
Westbrook also said that he and his teammates LeBron and Davis are eager to improve their performance this season.
“There’s so much optimism on how we can be great, how AD, LeBron, myself — can be unstoppable in my opinion,” Westbrook said.
Westbrook will have a favorable position over the starting point guard competition when training camp begins. Dennis Schroder, who signed a minimum contract with the Lakers earlier this month, is “working through visa issues” and may be unable to join the team for another week.