The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in quite the pickle with Anthony Davis nursing an injury. The two-way player most consider in his class in the NBA, Davis is also vitally important to the Lakers’ defense. With Davis out, LeBron James has led the charge offensively and has also driven the team’s recent defensive revival.
At age 38 and in his 21st NBA season, LeBron remains exceptionally crafty and possibly still one of the biggest dominators. With Davis absent, that has really called for different approaches defensively, and it is LeBron who has made sure that his team is still in there contesting.
LeBron’s Defensive Leadership
LeBron James had always had great basketball IQ and after the incompleteness of Anthony Davis, he had to rise another level of responsibility on the defensive end. LeBron, whose default method is to wear that evil smirk he had on since childhood, had remained active converting his vintage experience, athleticism, and leadership into inspiring his team to do it. The rim helps to defend the post.
Against fast-open breaks, fast breaks turned into slow isolation on most early defensive stops. LeBron James seems to switch assignments more often than ever and, if he contests shots too, leads teammates in fast-breaking. Their anticipation and communication before, during, and after plays hold Lakers intensity even when there’s no Anthony Davis in the paint.
Adjusting Without Anthony Davis
The coaching staff of the Lakers has been required to make several adjustments in light of Anthony Davis’ absence. Among the key techniques being used are the following:
- More Help Defense– With AD not in the lineup to protect the rim, perimeter D has been emphasized so that no easy drives to the basket are allowed.
- Greater Use of Zone Defense– The team has implemented more zone coverage so that the effect of losing Davis’s shot-blocking ability could be minimized.
- Small-ball Lineups- LeBron is now playing more time at power forward, which fulfills the defensive responsibilities of AD while keeping the offense running smoothly.
Uplifting Role Players
LeBron’s leadership evidently raised the level of individual defensive performance for others. Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura stepped up as the main defenders, while Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell contributed with their improved on-ball defense. The team’s defensive unit helped shore up the void left by the absence of Anthony Davis.
The Lakers have also looked for size inside from their big men, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes. Neither is a replacement for Anthony Davis, but both have played their part in helping hold the defense together.
Lakers Influx in Absence of Anthony Davis
The Lakers have successfully remained competitive even without Anthony Davis due to various factors. Intensity on defense has been a key factor in a few games to ensure that the team can still win when the effort is put in from everyone, striving hard on the game plan.
However, the absence of Anthony Davis is experienced in those matchups when they face elite post big men. The Lakers have struggled in maintaining rebounds and blocks here and there, strongly stressing on the need of Davis in its overall success.
Some Sights in The Future
Although LeBron James continues to defy aging and carry the Lakers with Anthony Davis sidelined, a deep playoff run will require their star big man to be back. Anthony Davis is expected to return soon, and with him, the Lakers will play even better defense with LeBron setting the tone as a leader.
Until then, LeBron James is, by all definitions, the heart and soul of the Lakers, in the process showing us again why he truly stands as one of the game’s greatest. His positive mark over all clutch situations, both on offense and defense, has kept them alive in the playoff race while giving them a fair chance at a remarkable finish to the season.
