The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 120–130 last night, costing them dearly. Before the Kings rallied and took a lead of up to 22 points during the game, they got off to a fast start and led 30 to 13 in the first quarter. When LeBron James thought back on the defensive collapse, he said that Anthony Davis’s constant foul trouble was the primary cause.
“When AD picked up his second, it vanished. That’s how easy it is. When he got up his second in the first quarter and we had to make the substitution, our defence kind of simply faltered because someone like that controls so much of it.”
If the Lakers had been competitive enough to be a top-four seed in the West, Anthony Davis probably would have been a DPOY contender this season. He sets the tone defensively for the Lakers by constantly marshalling the interior and switching onto the perimeter.
He finished the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds on 5-13 shooting after having a difficult game against the Kings, while Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double with 20 rebounds. The Kings executed a 44-20 second quarter that swung the game in their favour, overcoming a 17-point deficit.
This season, Davis is averaging 24.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks. He also leads the league in defensive efficiency. Sadly, he lacks the unprocessed statistics in his
With three minutes remaining in the game, LeBron James was seen leaving the court as a Lakers comeback appeared to be unachievable. James clarified that it was due to the ankle injury that had put him on the injury report for more than a month, despite the fact that many had assumed it was due to frustration at the defeat.
James disclosed that the reason he has been on the injury list for more than a month is due to an ankle issue.
“My ankle is all that’s bothering me, both before and after the break. All I’m doing is managing as best I can. Certain games are superior to others. I didn’t sense anything against OKC, and tonight I didn’t sense anything at all until the fourth quarter. Every game is unique.”
James had an ankle ailment last year that kept him out of the game for a significant portion of the late season. Although his early return was crucial to the Lakers’ run to the Conference Finals, he was limited and could not have the same impact on the game as we are used to. LeBron must be completely healthy for them to
