The Los Angeles Lakers repeat bid took a huge haymaker to the chin in the opening round against a gritty Phoenix Suns team.
Anthony Davis was quick to shoulder the blame for the loss, taking “full responsibility” after a putrid showing, as he told a swarm of reporters during the postgame presser.
"There's no way we're winning a game, let alone a series, with me playing the way I played so this one's on me. I take full responsibility." Anthony Davis post-game with @LakersReporter about his game vs. the Suns and his confidence to turn it around in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/kTQ9y1yksf
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 24, 2021
Obviously, Davis isn't the only player on the Lakers who didn't rise to the occasion. But his no-show certainly felt the most noticeable. AD finished with 13 points on an ugly 5-for-16 shooting clip, with seven rebounds and two assists. The struggles were even more disheartening because pundits pegged Davis as the Lakers' biggest advantage against the Suns.
Deandre Ayton is no small fry. But his defense in the middle is easy to exploit, and should have been a revolving door of opportunities for a star of Anthony Davis' caliber. Instead, the Lakers big man flat out got outperformed by Ayton, who put up 21 points on a near-perfect 10-for-11 from the field to go along with 16 rebounds. Freaky Friday, much?
LeBron James spoke out about Anthony Davis' struggles, saying that he likes the passion, but the Lakers' problems were bigger than just AD, per Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell.
“It's never on just one guy, but I love when AD puts that pressure on himself… [Davis] Always responds, and we look forward to that.”
LeBron said it’s never on one guy, but having heard AD putting the L on himself, acknowledged that he does “Love when AD puts that pressure on himself.”
He added that LAL are a better team when Davis is aggressive.
He said Davis “Always responds, and we look forward to that."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 23, 2021
"We did a hell of a job defensively but we've got to make shots and tonight we didn't do that." @KingJames comments on adjustments the #Lakers can make heading into Game 2. pic.twitter.com/Iox61nkOE1
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 24, 2021
LeBron James and Anthony Davis find themselves starting at a 1-0 hole and need to right the ship sooner rather than later. LA gets their chance to bounce back against the Suns on Tuesday night for Game 2.
Follow Us
Subscribe