During Anthony Davis’ stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, the versatile big man has been reluctant to play the center position, presumably to avoid the kind of contact that goes on that deep in the paint so he can prevent injuries.
Unfortunately for Davis, he hasn’t had much luck avoiding injuries with the Lakers, as he’s missed a considerable amount of time each season in Los Angeles outside of his first year with the team, which resulted in a championship won in the NBA bubble.
Coming into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Lakers are arguably one of the deepest teams in the league, with a stacked roster from top to bottom and players that can play the center position like Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood.
At this point in time, it is uncertain where head coach Darvin Ham will have Davis playing on the floor, and the veteran doesn’t even know what position he is, as he told reporters on Friday via SportsCenter.
AD reiterates he’s just a big that plays basketball 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/GvF8CHvu1c
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 6, 2023
Fortunately for Davis, the Lakers are deep enough this season that it doesn’t really matter what position they class him as, with Wood and Hayes giving the team that leverage.
Even Jarred Vanderbilt, who grew taller over the summer and signed a long-term deal with the team, can play the center position if need be, so Davis and the Lakers are in an ideal position moving forward.
Only time will tell if everything can come together in Los Angeles, but as of right now, it seems things are on the right track for the 17-time NBA champions.
