Lakers Small On Wins, Big On Drama

Nov 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre (50) and forward Ed Davis (21) defend a shot by Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Evaluating Young Talent

As the losses continue to pile up, the coaching staff will be forced to look for answers. The most obvious place to start is with the playing time of the current roster. If the current players receiving the bulk of the minutes are not producing, maybe players on the bench are ready to step up to the challenge?

The first choice for this increased role would have been rookie Julius Randle.  While it is unfortunate to see him suffer such a devastating injury, there is no doubt in clearly in the Lakers’ plans moving forward (regardless of this year’s results).

Moving past Randle, Ed Davis is the next name that comes to mind. He is second on the team in rebounds per game at 6.7, while also leading the team in blocked shots at 1.7. He does lead the team in personal fouls, as he commits close to 4 a game. But this is, in large part, due to the fact he challenges so many of the players conducting layup lines to the basket as a result of the Lakers’ poor perimeter defense.

Despite leading the Lakers in field goal percentage, there is no doubt that Davis is limited offensively. But he knows his strength is close to the rim and, unlike the rest of the Lakers’ big men, he looks to make attacking the rim his first priority on offense. Thus far, Davis has been one of the few bargain investments the Lakers have made that looks to be a real steal.