(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers only have a shot at going deep in the playoffs if they play some defense.
Their defense helped them win the inaugural In-Season Tournament, and their defense has also helped them beat some legitimate NBA championship contenders.
That’s why Anthony Davis wanted to put the world on notice about that.
Following their big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, he talked about how close the team is on defense and how much they communicate on that end of the floor (via Ryan Ward).
“We really close. We’re covering for each other, we’re talking. Obviously, we’re missing Vando. … We’re all stepping up defensively just to cover for the big piece that we are missing, but I think we are on the string right now defensively,” Davis said.
AD on Lakers defense: “We really close. We’re covering for each other, we’re talking. Obviously, we’re missing Vando. … We’re all stepping up defensively just to cover for the big piece that we are missing, but I think we are on the string right now defensively.”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 7, 2024
He acknowledged that it’s obviously a big challenge to make up for Jarred Vanderbilt’s loss, adding that it’s been a team effort.
Notably, Vanderbilt is the Lakers’ most versatile stopper, and he’s been out for most of the season.
There have been conflicting reports about his potential return to the court, but it seems like he could be back on the floor during a hypothetical postseason run.
Darvin Ham has left a lot to be desired on offense and when it comes to making tweaks or adjustments, but the team’s defense has been on point at times, especially over the past couple of weeks.
They still need to secure a spot in the playoffs, and they’re almost a lock to go through the Play-In Tournament in that regard.
But even if they don’t look like an actual threat right now, this team is tailor-made for a seven-game series, and they will always have a chance for as long as Davis keeps dominating and LeBron James is by his side.
The post Anthony Davis Sends Clear Message About Lakers’ Defense appeared first on The Cold Wire.