Anthony Davis explains how being ‘desperate’ has led to success for Lakers

After their surprising victory over the Sacramento Kings, Lakers' Anthony David explained their renewed defensive attitude.

Anthony Davis expanded on the team's defensive approach

For the most part of the season, Los Angeles Lakers have allowed open shots without much resistance. Currently, they are ranked 20th in defensive rating out of the 30 teams in the league. After their strong start to their season, they seemed to be stuck in a rut. However, after the head coach JJ Redick‘s intervention last week, they seem to be bouncing back to the same spirit they started the season with.

After the Lakers recent victory against the evenly matched Sacramento Kings at their home court, the narrative has changed. In this match-up, Anthony Davis was balling his heart out, especially on the defensive end. AD’s hustle stats from that game included 20 rebounds, 6 blocked shots and 3 steals. After the game Anthony Davis spoke on their “desperate” defensive approach.

I just tried to do my part. I didn’t know I had six blocks and 20 rebounds, but I just wanted to do my part in this win tonight. Nothing really schematically, I think we’re just covering for each other. I talked about it yesterday after practice—we’re covering each other, playing real hard on defense, we’re talking. We’re playing desperate, especially on the defensive end.
Anthony Davis said in a post-game interview

Expanding on the tweaks they have collectively made to their defensive attitude during their couple of off days, Anthony Davis explained how they went over some things that were hurting them on the defensive end. This includes aspects of the game like rim protection to allowing second-chance points.

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Anthony Davis on what’s worked for L.A. on the defensive end lately: “We’re playing desperate” pic.twitter.com/bWg4QrGiVU
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 20, 2024

Emphasizing the importance of practice and communication, AD reiterated the same sentiment their head coach shared last week. Better efficiency from the team could lead the Lakers become a threat for other teams. It remains to be seen if the team can remain consistent throughout the rest of the season.

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JJ Redick speaks on his “favorite” win so far as the Lakers head coach

Last week, the Los Angeles Lakers head coach stressed the importance of communication for defense to be on the same page. After their loss to Minnesota Timberwolves, JJ Redick went deep to comprehend what went wrong. From giving open looks to second chance shots, the first-time head coach finally understood what changes needed to make.

[We] did not execute our switches, were not physical, did not communicate. Communication was a big issue in Miami as well. Again, you can’t play basketball and not talk. So, in terms of technique and schemes, if you don’t talk, you’re dead.
JJ Redick said after the Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings

JJ Redick: “This might be my favorite win we’ve had all season.” Mentions the defensive effort and across the board contributions on a night the Lakers didn’t shoot it well.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 20, 2024

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Dubbing the Lakers’ recent win over the Kings as his “favorite” win so far, JJ Redick explained why. He was happy with the results because, despite being ineffective on the offensive end, the team did everything they practiced, and it translated well onto the court.

The Los Angeles Lakers will meet the Sacramento Kings again on their home court at Golden 1 Center on Saturday. It will be intriguing to see if they can build on their “favorite” win once again.