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Amidst Troubling Pain, Anthony Davis Prides Lakers’ Courage in LeBron James’ Absence

Published 03/09/2024, 10:50 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

In a nail-biting showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged on top with a last-second 123-122 victory. While Anthony Davis was injured, he chose to share the floor with his teammates and stand against Milwaukee in the home turf match.

Moreover, despite AD clutching his arm due to a collision in the fourth quarter, he and the Lakers refused to slow down. D’Angelo Russell erupted like a basketball volcano along with Spencer Dinwiddie‘s last shot block, pushing the Lakers to a thrilling victory over the Bucks.

Anthony Davis battled through the pain and went hard at it bagging 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. In the post-game interview, he was asked about the inconsistencies in the Lakers’ games. However, the ironclad teammate dropped some gems about the importance of teamwork.

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Anthony Davis, a true warrior tonight, stated, “I think we had fun tonight, Just playing for each other…no matter who scored, was able to talk to each other.” About D’Angelo going off, he said, “You know I think early in the third, D’Lo come down and shoot an air ball three and I told him right there, D’Lo that’s a bad shot, you know, right on the court. So it’s like when you’re able to have dialogue like that, knowing that everyone wants to win.”

Interestingly, while Davis was injured, another Lakers superstar, LeBron James, was down and out on the sidelines. However, while LBJ got some much-needed rest, the Lakers punched a much-needed win for the upcoming playoffs.

Despite King-Sized Absence, Anthony Davis and the Lakers Still Slay

Anthony Davis beamed after the Lakers’ hard-fought victory over the Bucks who sit comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference, especially considering the absence of their star player, LeBron James. With AD taking care of the rebounds and the blocks, D’Angelo Russellexercised free rein on the offensive end.

Russell’s season-high 44 points came off a staggering 17-25 shots, including nine threes from beyond the arc. He also dished out 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Russell capped off his night with a clutch floater that put the Lakers ahead by a single point with just 5.9 seconds remaining.

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Russell was on fire throughout the game, but his dominance was crucial in the fourth quarter where he scored 21 points (out of the Lakers’ 27 total). This came after Anthony Davis injured his left shoulder in a collision with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Davis managed to play the final stretch but couldn’t score any points afterward on account of his sore shoulder.

Anthony further elaborated in his interview, “DLo being DLo took over the game for us. I was limited, couldn’t even really raise my left shoulder. He got in a rhythm, there was no doubt that we were going to him.

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Stepping into LeBron’s starting shoes, Spencer Dinwiddie got his first chance on the court and made a major defensive play by swatting away Damian Lillard’s buzzer-beater attempt. Davis commended Dinwiddie’s performance and stated, “Moved his feet, knowing the tendency of Dame…He just played it well. Great defense from Spence.”

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The Lakers face a new challenge next: the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are battling OKC for the top seed in the West. While LeBron James might miss the game against Minnesota as well, tonight’s performance suggests the Lakers have the capability of clinching another victory. What are your thoughts on this? Pour them down in the comments.

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Written by:

Aakritee Raajj

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A lawyer turned NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, Aakritee Raajj found herself in the right realm as soon as she dropped her black coat to don the Mavericks’ jersey in the NBA department. That’s how the content strategy desk trusts her with any coverage demanding a legal knowhow. She became a fan of the league in the late 2000’s after Dirk Nowitzki upset the Miami Heat in Game 6 during 2011 NBA Finals.
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Edited by:

Ankit Singh