During the initial years of his tenure in Los Angeles, fans of the Lakers advocated for Anthony Davis to be utilized as a center. Even though the team secured a championship with Davis playing alongside another center, much debate centered around maximizing floor space by having AD as the sole big man.
Sometimes, it’s wise to be cautious about what you wish for.
After several seasons with AD in the center position—an adjustment significantly influenced by the trade for Russell Westbrook—the current sentiment is shifting back towards utilizing a two-big lineup. Not only fans are expressing this desire; AD himself has voiced similar thoughts.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on AD’s aspirations to play alongside another big man.
Sources informed ESPN that Davis has clearly communicated to the Lakers his wish to frequently play with another big. As the season approaches, the Lakers find themselves short on depth in the center position, especially with Christian Wood anticipated to miss at least eight weeks due to left knee surgery, leaving Jaxson Hayes and two-way player Colin Castleton as the only available centers on the roster.
While fan opinions may have shifted, AD’s stance remains consistent. Even when there was a strong push for the Lakers to adopt a smaller lineup during Russell Westbrook’s initial season with the team, Davis emphasized how much simpler the game becomes for him when paired with a big man.
The current dilemma for the Lakers lies in the fact that their roster lacks the capability to effectively implement a two-center lineup. With Christian Wood sidelined, the only centers available are AD and Jaxson Hayes, creating a scenario that isn’t particularly favorable for playing them together for extended periods.
While Wood’s return may alter the situation, both he and Hayes have limitations that resulted in their inconsistent rotation last season.
the Lakers currently lack a viable solution to this challenge. Although a mid-season trade could potentially provide relief, it is improbable that they would prioritize acquiring another center.
Another possibility is seeking a center in the free-agent market. However, if a player is available as a free agent in September, can they truly be considered a better option than Wood or Hayes? While their availability might be a point in favor of free agents, it would necessitate a trade, and as of now, there haven’t been any rumors suggesting the Lakers are interested in pursuing such a move.
The buyout market may eventually present new solutions, but that is still some time off. The reality is that the Lakers are unlikely to find an effective remedy for this issue right away, and while AD may wish to play alongside a big man, that scenario will probably not occur frequently at the start of this season.
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Anthony Davis’ Desire for a Two-Big Lineup: A Challenge for the Lakers Amidst Roster Limitations
Understanding Anthony Davis’ Vision
Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star big man, has expressed a strong desire to implement a two-big lineup. This arrangement, featuring both Davis and another dominant center, could capitalize on their size and skill to control the paint and enhance rebounding efforts. However, the Lakers face significant roster limitations that pose challenges to this strategy.
The Mechanics of a Two-Big Lineup
A two-big lineup typically involves having two players over 6’9″ on the court simultaneously. This setup can offer numerous advantages:
- Rebounding Strength: Two big men can dominate the boards, leading to more second-chance points.
- Interior Defense: A formidable presence in the paint can deter opposing players from driving, reducing easy baskets.
- Offensive Versatility: With two bigs, teams can exploit mismatches, utilizing one player as a traditional post-up threat while the other stretches the floor.
Anthony Davis’ Historic Performance
Recently, Davis turned in a historic performance, recording 35-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, 5-plus steals, and 5-plus blocks in a single game. This remarkable achievement underscored his immense talent and versatility on the court, making a compelling case for the effectiveness of a two-big lineup. He became the first player since the 1973-74 season to reach these statistics in a game, showcasing his ability to impact multiple facets of the game simultaneously [[1](https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-anthony-davis-historic-performance)].
Challenges of Implementing a Two-Big Lineup
Despite the potential benefits, the Lakers face several challenges when considering a two-big lineup:
Roster Limitations
The current Lakers roster has its strengths and weaknesses. Key challenges include:
- Lack of Depth: The Lakers may struggle to find a suitable second big man who complements Davis. Roster spots are limited, and acquiring a high-caliber center may be challenging.
- Defensive Matchups: Opponents may exploit slower foot speed and defensive lapses from a dual big lineup, particularly against smaller, faster teams.
- Spacing Issues: Having two big men on the court can sometimes clog driving lanes, limiting the effectiveness of guards and wings.
Injury Concerns
Injuries have plagued both Davis and other big men in the league. Relying heavily on a two-big lineup can increase the risk of injury, particularly during the grind of the NBA season.
Case Studies: Teams That Successfully Implemented a Two-Big Strategy
Several teams in recent NBA history have found success with a two-big lineup, providing valuable lessons for the Lakers:
The Twin Towers: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs famously employed a duo of Tim Duncan and David Robinson, dominating the paint and leading to multiple championships. Their success stemmed from effective spacing and exceptional passing, allowing both bigs to thrive simultaneously.
The Pelicans’ Duo: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins
In New Orleans, Davis and Cousins formed a dynamic duo that wreaked havoc on opponents. Their ability to shoot from the perimeter while maintaining a strong post presence made them a constant matchup nightmare.
Benefits of a Two-Big Lineup for the Lakers
Implementing a two-big lineup can provide several key advantages for the Lakers:
Enhanced Defensive Capabilities
With two elite shot-blockers in the paint, the Lakers can significantly improve their defensive statistics, making it harder for opponents to score inside.
Offensive Rebounding
Having two bigs can increase offensive rebounding opportunities, allowing the Lakers to secure more possessions and create second-chance points.
Playoff Matchups
In playoff scenarios, a two-big lineup can be particularly effective against teams with traditional centers, allowing the Lakers to exploit size mismatches.
Practical Tips for Lakers’ Coaching Staff
To effectively integrate a two-big lineup, the Lakers coaching staff should consider the following strategies:
- Player Development: Focus on developing the skills of big men to enhance their perimeter shooting and passing abilities, allowing for better spacing.
- Strategic Matchups: Identify and exploit favorable matchups against teams with weaker frontcourts.
- Load Management: Implement load management strategies to keep both bigs healthy throughout the season, reducing the risk of injury.
First-Hand Experience: Anthony Davis’ Perspective
Anthony Davis has expressed his excitement about the potential of a two-big lineup, stating, “I believe we can dominate the paint and control the game if we have another big man alongside me.” His enthusiasm reflects a broader trend in the league toward size and versatility, indicating that the Lakers may need to adapt to remain competitive.
Conclusion
While implementing a two-big lineup poses challenges for the Los Angeles Lakers, the potential benefits are significant. Anthony Davis’ historic performances underscore his ability to thrive in such a setup. With strategic planning and roster adjustments, the Lakers could leverage this approach to enhance their competitiveness in the NBA.
