There are a lot of people within the Los Angeles Lakers franchise that are motivated with a chip on their shoulders coming into the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Lakers want to avoid the embarrassment that occurred last season, as the Lakers were among the title favorites at the beginning of the season and didn’t even qualify for the playoffs.
A big reason for the struggles last season was a lack of continuity. It is impossible to develop chemistry and cohesion when you are not on the court to practice and play together. That is what happened last season as LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook played only 21 games together.
That is something that needs to change this season if they are going to have any chance of turning things around. Davis is integral to that success as new head coach Darvin Ham has big plans for him.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Davis is coming off of the two least active seasons of his career, as the 40 games he played last season followed up a 36-game campaign the season before. He is motivated to not only bounce back himself but get the franchise back on track as well.
“I went into this summer focusing on strengthening my body,” Davis told Yahoo Sports. “I have to be on the court and at my best to put us in position to be our best. I’m ready to do that.”
There are high expectations for him this season as he is expected to take over the No. 1 role offensively. It is something that LeBron James, who is entering his 20th season in the NBA, has been pushing for him to do as well. It is something that he is excited about doing.
“I’m so excited that I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about this year,” Davis told Yahoo Sports this week. “I’m looking forward to a healthy year and doing what I know we can do.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Staying healthy is paramount to this team finding any level of success. Davis is dominant on both ends of the court, a candidate for plenty of awards at the end of the season should he be able to remain on the court.
This summer he has put in a lot of work with his training camp. People around him believe he has put himself in a position to live up to the expectations that the franchise has for him. They need him to be a leader and the people around him think he is ready for that.
“All I can do is lead by my actions,” Davis told Yahoo Sports. “I’m excited for this challenge and what’s ahead. I think we have a great group of guys to get the job done. It’s now about putting in the work.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Defensively is where Davis’ leadership will be needed most. The team’s performance on that end of the court cratered last season after being the reason they found success the first two seasons under Frank Vogel.
That end of the court was a focus this offseason, as the team also traded for multi-time All-Defensive Team member Patrick Beverley. Athletic, two-way wings were also signed in free agency.
“That’s where we’ll be at our strongest, defensively,” Davis told Yahoo Sports. “I’m going to demand we stay committed and lead on that end, as well. I love playing defense. I think you’ll see a much different Lakers team, and I can’t wait to get out there.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Davis sounds like he is ready to step into the leadership role and become the go-to player on both ends of the court for the Lakers. Remaining healthy is key to accomplishing that, so hopefully, the work that he has put in this offseason pays off.
