Thanks in large part to Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 on January 15, ending a two-game losing streak and recording their third win in the previous five games.
After this one win, at 20–21, the trade rumors surrounding the team are probably not going to end.
However, maybe it will persuade the Lakers to stick to their prudent course before this season’s trade deadline, which is February 8.
“We haven’t been fully well,” Davis said to the media following the match. We have played a lot of games this year, after all. However, we’ve been dealing with a lot of injuries, which is never easy. We played excellent basketball when we were perfectly healthy. We therefore know our potential. However, I believe we simply need to become completely healthy.
“I enjoy our group. Like what we did tonight, I like what we’re doing. We have to stay on that course.”
Rob Pelinka of the Lakers is prompted to “enquire” about a $96 million alternative trade target.
With a game-high 27 points, five assists, two steals, one block, and 15 rebounds, Davis helped the team defeat Oklahoma City.
Following a lackluster performance in the January 13 loss to the Utah Jazz, where the big man took responsibility for the result, Davis gave this performance. But despite injuries and lineup changes, Davis has been one of the Lakers’ few constants.
He has only missed two games this season and has stated that the team’s injury problem.
Insofar as fans can anticipate seeing the same starting lineup the Lakers used against the Thunder going forward, Davis may get his wish.
Darvin Ham Maintaining LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the starting lineup for the Lakers
The same starting lineup for the Lakers that began play on opening night included Davis, LeBron James, Taurean Prince, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell. In recent weeks, they—namely, Reaves and Russell, who have both had extended periods of difficulty—had been moved to the bench.
Darvin Ham, head coach, returned to them.
A knee injury that Cam Reddish was dealing with played a part in the decision. However, Reaves, Russell, and Prince’s support for Davis and James was also praised by Ham.
Regarding the group, Ham stated, “We just wanted to put as much skill and shot-making on the floor around our two captains.” “And those five have been our most reliable players so far this season,” the coach said. So just combine them and, barring any kind of injury, that will be our lineup for the foreseeable future.
“It seemed to go quite well. A great evening with many contributions. We discussed how everyone should support one another, pour into one another, and work together to be excellent on both sides of the ball. And I believe that lineup tonight demonstrated.”
Cleaning The Glass reports that the lineup has a plus-3.2 net efficiency differential, placing it in the 67th percentile.
Against the Thunder, that team shot just 5-for-18 from beyond the arc.
However, the starting lineups of the Lakers and Thunder were superior, and only Prince had a negative plus-minus at the end of the game. The fact that they were still missing Gabe Vincent and Reddish but were still able to perform this well may be the most encouraging thing.
Rui Hachimura Receives a Message from Anthony Davis: “Be Yourself”
Rui Hachimura is one of the pieces that the Lakers have regained. Throughout the season, he has dealt with injuries, missing five games in a row due to a calf injury. Hachimura is averaging 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks since coming back.
In addition, he is shooting 40% from three, going 2 for 3 against OKC.
“He’s new. Well, he hasn’t been around for a long. Davis remarked of his youthful teammate, “so he has fresh legs.”
“He plays with assurance. Rui was obviously instrumental in our success the previous year, and all we want is for him to return to his true self. He occasionally goes out and slightly overthinks things. He wants to execute the play correctly. Just be yourself, though. Simply put, don’t think and just play basketball. He has been shooting the ball and going after the hoop during the last two games.
