Anthony Davis Defends Two Lakers on the Trade Block
The Lakers haven’t been able to add any players this offseason, but Anthony Davis made a point of reminding folks that this should still be a better team even without any additions.
Davis lauded the value of a pair of Lakers on the trade block, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, highlighting how an injury-free season from those players could make a big difference.
But will Vanderbilt and Vincent really move the needle that much?
Davis Excited About the Return of Vanderbilt and Vincent
Speaking at media availability following a Team USA practice, Davis called Vanderbilt and Vincent ‘elite’ players before going over what they bring to the court.
It’s a stretch to call either of these players elite, but Davis seemed sure that they could give the Lakers a better chance of winning this season.
FULL MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Anthony Davis talks about being on Team USA, the Lakers’ moves (and non-moves) this offseason, playing for new head coach JJ Redick and Kawhi Leonard being the funniest player on Team USA. pic.twitter.com/T4uTKEEpdk
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 7, 2024
"We don’t know what we could’ve been if we had those guys especially for the playoffs, especially Vando cause he’s a big part of what we do defensively. But we look at the lineup and we come in ready to work. Last year is last year. We can’t say this is the same team. It could be a different result. So for us it’s about coming in with the mindset of getting the work and seeing how it plays out."
- Anthony Davis
Despite Davis’s exaggerated praise, there is some merit to his point.
Vanderbilt played in just 29 games last season as he dealt with back, heel, and foot injuries last season. Vincent was limited to 11 games as he dealt with an ailing knee.
But it’s hard to argue that simply having those two healthy would have given LA a chance at making an NBA Finals run.
Vanderbilt is a good rebounder (6.7 per game in 24 MPG in 2022-23) and Vincent provides strong defense, but neither player is much of a floor spacer or a go-to scorer.
It’s admirable of Davis to stick up for his teammates like this, but it’s telling that he’s left with no other option than to point to the return of role players when giving a reason as to why this team will be better this upcoming season.
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