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Anthony Davis is once again looking to take a step back from playing the center position.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported Davis has “made it clear” behind the scenes that he prefers to play more of the 4 than the 5 during the 2023-24 regular season. The All-Star big man played almost entirely at the center position last season and for much of 2021-22.
In the past, Davis pushed back on playing the 4 to avoid wear-and-tear on his body. He’s relented the last two seasons in large part due to the fact he’s significantly more impactful as a center in today’s more perimeter-oriented game.
Choosing to essentially abandon his struggling three ball last season, Davis averaged 25.9 points and a career-high 12.5 rebounds while shooting 56.3 percent from the floor. If he were able to stay healthy, Davis likely would have made his first All-NBA team since 2020.
Instead, he once again spent a large chunk of the season on the sidelines, which likely played a part in his request for more big-man help.
The Lakers have gone about fulfilling Davis’ request, adding Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood as free-agent signings this offseason. It’s likely Davis will still see significant minutes at center during crunch time, as the Lakers’ best lineup will include LeBron James and Rui Hachimura at the two forward spots.
Jarred Vanderbilt, another power forward, also excelled on both ends of the floor and should see extended minutes.
As it stands, though, Davis might be closer to a 50-50 split between the two positions than he has been the last two years.
Source link : https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10088601-lakers-rumors-anthony-davis-made-it-clear-he-wants-less-time-at-center-in-2023-24
Author : Tyler Conway
Publish date : 2023-09-07 15:37:33
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