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“Still Trying to Figure it Out”: Anthony Davis Divulges on Getting Adjusted to “New Faces” on Lakers After Suffering 2nd Road Loss

Published 10/30/2023, 3:00 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

After their recent clash with the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers are setting off to a disappointing 1-2 start to their season. Anthony Davis delivered 30 points while LeBron James scored 27. However, it was not enough. Collectively, the game delivered thrilling spectacles; six players from both teams reached double-digit scoring. Regardless, De’Aaron Fox topped them all with his 37-point performance. Even after the Lakers secured a slight advantage in the fourth quarter, Fox and the squad displayed remarkable resilience to force the game into overtime.

The Lakers were unable to mount a comeback; even though Fox and Domantas Sabonis exited the game during final minutes (injury and foul trouble). In essence, the Kings appeared more fluid and synchronized than the Lakers, ultimately sealing the victory.

Anthony Davis believes the Lakers will bounce back

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At several points in the game, the Lakers’ lack of synergy on the court was conspicuous. In post-game interviews, Anthony Davis faced questions about the same; specifically whether the introduction of new players to the squad has affected their on-court performance, despite their individual talents.

Acknowledging the point, Davis stated, “It’s a lot that does play a factor. But still trying to figure it out. Like you said we got new faces.” Nevertheless, Davis remains optimistic about the Lakers’ progress and believes they are moving in the right direction.

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Unlike some teams, the Lakers have integrated several new players into their roster. While they are making strides in building cohesion, it’s apparent that developing chemistry, especially in crunch time situations, may require more time.

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In their matchup against the Sacramento Kings, the Lakers had two new faces pn the court during the final minutes – Taurean Prince and Gabe Vincent. Gabe gave minute free throws to the Kings in regulation while Prince struggled with open looks in overtime.

A moment of completion for LeBron James

In his recent game, LeBron James appeared visibly fatigued towards the end of regulation. Furthermore, his frustrations seemed to mount during overtime. However, he experienced a remarkable full-circle moment in the game against the Kings.

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When LeBron James played his very first NBA game back in 2003, it was against the Sacramento Kings. In that debut game, he scored his first points with a jumper that cut the Kings’ early lead to 7-6. Astonishingly, in his most recent game, LeBron’s opening basket was a three that once again narrowed the Kings’ lead to 7-6.

What’s even more intriguing is that his stat line in these two games displayed similarities. In 2003, he recorded 25 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in a loss to the Kings on the road. This time, also on the road, he finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in 39 minutes of play.

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Watch This Story – ‘You filthy animal’, Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, Trae Young, and other stars left awestruck as Stephen Curry baptized De’Aaron Fox’s Kings with a 50-piece

Adding to the intrigue, Derek Richardson, one of the three referees in James’ debut game, was part of the officiating crew on the court during the game as well.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. He has been writing articles and blogs for 5 years now, including those for a sports brand that manufactures knee braces, for a Red Bull athlete in 2019 and for a documentary of an Ultra Running Coach in 2021. There’s plenty Saahil can write about why he likes basketball, having followed the NBA for more than 10 years, but he is most keen on picking out various offense/defense strategies, on/off-court decisions, roster changes in crunch time and other underrated key elements that leave an impact on the scoreboard.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe