The Lakers’ most recent game saw them lose 120-130 to the Sacramento Kings, which knocked them down to the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Darvin Ham’s defense-oriented strategy did not seem to satisfy Anthony Davis, as Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox scored a combined 70 points in the game.
“A few defensive lapses on our part gave De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk the freedom to score freely and remain in the paint. They were quite successful in controlling what we were doing because Sabonis would be completely exposed if I went to help.
Following the game, Darvin Ham had revealed the unconvincing defensive strategy for Fox and Monk that the Lakers had devised.
We devised a scheme to push Malik into his left hand and force him into his right. We weren’t very good at that in actual gameplay. Because they make the shots you’re trying to give up like those tough twos, those two guys are tough. Sabonis was able to become involved when we managed to force a miss.”
In a difficult game against Sacramento, Anthony Davis scored just 14 points and allowed Domantas Sabonis to grab 11 rebounds to his 20. Although he deserves credit for keeping Sabonis from having a huge scoring night, Fox and Monk were able to exploit the Lakers on the perimeter and find simple ways to attack the rim as a result.
Anthony Davis Is The Key For The Lakers Success
Because AD was healthy and playing well, the Lakers were able to go on an amazing run in the second half of the previous season. His impact on defence is undeniable, despite the fact that his offensive output can fluctuate at times. The Lakers defence is carried by Davis alone.
The Kings were able to take advantage of the lack of defensive talent on this team by utilising fast guards and putting a strong cover like Sabonis on AD.
Even LeBron James discussed this after the game, pointing to AD’s foul trouble as the crucial moment when the defence collapsed for the team.
“When AD picked up his second, it vanished. That’s how easy it is. When he picked up his second in the first quarter and we had to make the substitution, our defence kind of just faltered because someone like that controls so much of it.”
By the end of the first quarter, the Kings had quickly adjusted after the Lakers blew an early 17-point lead. They took over the game at that point, outscoring the Lakers by 24 points in the second quarter. Davis was not given the opportunity to be successful defensively,particularly considering the team’s bogus strategy to stop Fox and Monk.
Going forward, they cannot afford to make such tactical errors, particularly in front of tonight’s crucial game against the Bucks.
