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In the midst of a turbulent season that has seen both highs and lows for the Los Angeles Lakers, star big man Anthony Davis recently made an intriguing comment that captured the growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the team’s identity. After a frustrating loss, Davis said that the Lakers were “two different Anthony Davis teams right now,” a statement that perfectly encapsulates the contradictions and inconsistencies that have plagued the Lakers throughout the 2024 season.
Davis, one of the league’s premier defenders and a key player on the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, his comment revealed much more than a post-game reflection; it Anthony Davis highlighted the internal struggles that have kept the Lakers from finding the kind of consistency required for a deep playoff run. At their best, the Lakers are a dominant force, blending LeBron James’ leadership and Davis’ defensive prowess. At their worst, they seem fragmented and Anthony Davis directionless, unable to get on the same page despite the high level of talent on their roster.
So, what did Davis mean by “two different teams,” and what does it say about the current state of the Lakers? To fully understand the weight of his comment, we need to break down the two contrasting Anthony Davis versions of the Lakers that have emerged this season, look at the underlying causes of their inconsistency, and assess how this could affect their chances going forward.
The Highs: Dominant Defense and LeBron’s Timeless Brilliance
Anthony Davis, who has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, is a key reason why the Lakers have been able to dominate on the defensive end. As one of the best shot-blockers and defenders in the league, Davis anchors the Lakers’ defense, often erasing opponents’ attempts at the rim and Anthony Davis preventing easy baskets. His presence in the paint allows the Lakers’ perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they have Davis as a safety net behind them. This defensive versatility makes the Lakers one of the toughest teams to score against when Davis is locked in.
LeBron, meanwhile, continues to defy age. Despite being 39 years old, he is still one of the best all-around players in the league. LeBron’s ability to score, facilitate, and rebound means he is still the focal point of Anthony Davis the Lakers’ offense. On nights when LeBron is healthy and engaged, the Lakers’ offense moves seamlessly. His vision and passing ability allow the Lakers to run a fluid, fast-paced offense that capitalizes on his basketball IQ and ability to find teammates in the best positions to succeed. In addition, LeBron’s leadership both on and off the court provides a steadying influence, something that’s essential for a team with aspirations of making a deep playoff run.
The Lows: A Team Struggling with Chemistry and Consistency
However, as Davis’ comment suggests, the Lakers are also capable of looking like a completely different team on other nights. There have been far too many occasions this season when the Lakers have failed to Anthony Davis meet expectations, struggling with chemistry issues, poor shooting, and inconsistent play. Despite their star power, they’ve often been out of sync, resulting in losses that have kept them from firmly establishing themselves as legitimate contenders.
The most glaring issue has been the Lakers’ offense, which can be erratic and disjointed. LeBron has done his best to carry the load, but without a consistent second option, the Lakers’ offense often stalls. Anthony Davis, while dominant on defense, has been inconsistent on offense, struggling to find his rhythm as both a scorer and a playmaker. While he is capable of going for 30 points on any given night, there are stretches when he disappears for long periods, failing to assert himself in crucial moments. This has raised questions about his ability to be the Lakers’ second star, especially when LeBron needs help in the scoring department.
The Lakers have also struggled with their supporting cast. Despite bringing in new faces like Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell, the team’s depth has often failed to deliver when called upon. There are times when the Lakers’ bench has been a non-factor, and their role players haven’t provided the necessary shooting or defensive contributions. Outside shooting has also been a major problem, with the Lakers ranking among the worst three-point shooting teams in the league. In a modern NBA that relies heavily on floor spacing, the Lakers’ inability to shoot consistently from beyond the arc has made it easier for opposing defenses to collapse on LeBron and Davis.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Lakers?
Anthony Davis’ statement that the Lakers are “two different teams right now” is a fair assessment of the current state of the team. At their best, the Lakers are a championship-caliber squad, with LeBron and Davis leading the way on both ends of the floor. However, at their worst, the Lakers struggle with consistency, chemistry, and offensive flow, making them a team that is tough to figure out.
For the Lakers to move forward and have a chance at contending, they must find a way to merge these two versions of themselves into a cohesive whole. They need to improve their shooting, establish more consistency from their role players, and ensure that LeBron and Davis can stay healthy and remain effective throughout the season. Finding their identity will be key—whether that means embracing a gritty, defensive-minded approach or leaning into their offensive talent and tempo.
With the right adjustments, the Lakers have the potential to become a dangerous team come playoff time. But unless they can find a way to bridge the gap between their two versions, they may continue to fall short of their championship aspirations.