Anthony Davis Discussion: Only Player On Both All NBA + All Def

I might actually prefer for him to be an ultra decoy rather than try to be AD without being physically able to do so. Was thinking maybe start him, run a few plays to get him some open jumpers without requiring much movement. Quick sub out within a few minutes. Only enough time to prevent the Suns knowing our rotation and hope that he inspires the guys to give it their all.

Because I had already accepted him sitting out, so now I’m suddenly much more nervous at the idea of him being in there.

Can’t lie though... obviously when I saw the news I saw this as a positive. Praying he can be AD, no injury risks, and helps lead us to win.

 

I don't like this idea. God bless him for giving it a go, but it smells like a desperate risky move to me.

 

Still soft though right?

 

If he leaves the game early or ends up with something more serious then he’s injury prone.

 

Knee, groin or achilles glass.

 

don't agree with playing him and risking further injury

 

Someone needs to be fired for letting him play.

 

There it is. At least we got 1 championship out of this setup... Once in 10 - 11 years isn't THAT bad.

And yeah... Davis can't be your 1a. For many basketball reasons I won't get into, but mostly for health reasons. Availability is the most important ability there is.

 

Right.

I understand the instinct to say this proves we can’t rely on him from an availability perspective. But does it?

Maybe it’s an easy excuse, but we can’t forget how short the off season was.

While this groin was bad, at the end of the day I think he’ll have escaped this season without anything that should be long term. With a proper off season of rest and training, I think that he’ll be fine. Yes he’ll miss some time here and there, but there’s no reason he can’t be as available for us next year as he was in 19-20.

The key is that the roster can’t be constructed in a way that it relies on 37 year old Lebron to be a superhero to stand a chance when AD’s out. We need a proper third star.

 

Rob gambled, but I think he constructed a great team to accompany a healthy Bron and AD. if one gets hurt, you're stretched. Both hurt... all the dominos tumble. But who expects this? I think everyone expected DS to alleviate some of that. Getting the 6th man and runner up should cover you. But Dennis is an epic failure. Might be my least favorite Laker point since Smush and Chucky. His disappearing act and attitude really leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

 

Yeah this game really means nothing in terms of the perspective on AD’s durability. Most of us said to rest him regardless of what he wanted or the medical staff said. You could see this coming from a mile away. He had no business going out there tonight.

 

And so far he had no idea that this is the path to durability?

If it was that easy, Greg Oden and the likes would still be collecting paychecks from the NBA.

Injury prone doesn't equal lazy. Sure, installing a LeBron-level regimen and having a Kobe-level pain threshold would help, but most aren't born with that. Genetics matter.

 

He really needs to get himself healthy. I don't know what his training regime is but Draymond implied (and I am guessing) that AD showed up this season unhealthy. If AD was that unhealthy, he should have let the Lakers know early on so they could rest him and then Vogel would be prepared for the season. If the Lakers are to be title contenders, AD has to be healthy.

 

I legitimately think a big part of it was the short offseason. He just needed more time.

I expect him to come back next season in shape and with something to prove again.

 

Let's hope LeBron doesn't kick the bucket in the meantime.

 

Got me thinking... If KCP, Wes, Kuz, Schroder, Morris, Gasol, Drummond, etc., all played a little better, maybe AD doesn't force himself at the rim like he did... maybe if those guys made their wide open threes, AD+Bron can get more rest and not have to force themselves after they were both injured. No one stepped up but Bron+AD! When CP3 was out, Ayton+Payne+Booker+Crowder stepped up. Lakers can't simply rely on AD+Bron when both are coming off injuries.

 

Lakers need to ship out "Mr Weak In the Lower Body," while he might still have some value.

Unfortunately they're stuck with the guy some like to call GOAT.

 

A real offseason will do wonders for AD.
2 months off between Game 6 of the Finals and the start of the 21' season ain't cutting it.

Some people forgot this guy was a Finals MVP and DPOY candidate.

AD will come back healthy and well rested next season and the rest of the league knows they are in trouble.