Los Angeles Lakers: Season Projection For Ed Davis

Ed Davis is still looking to live up to the potential that made him a lottery pick in 2010 (13th overall). After the Los Angeles Lakers were able to sign him for one-year and $1 million, it seems as if he will have a great chance.

The frontcourt for the Lakers is deep, but with Byron Scott signed as head coach, the Lakers will use Davis at both forward and center. Scott will look to use athleticism and size on his frontlines, both qualities of Davis.

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Combined with his defensive talents, Davis’ opportunities to contribute may be more viable than his time with the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies.

Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies were anchored by Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The tandem anchors the Grizzlies gritty style of play, soaking up most minutes on the interior.

Davis was able to contribute in spot minutes, but his talents couldn’t rival the production of the two. With the Lakers, Davis is competing with the likes of Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill, the projected starting frontcourt.

Both players are solid, but lack of consistency has been a question with both over the years. Davis could help spell the two during the moments that they may struggle.

With the Lakers in rebuilding mode, the development of the young players on the roster will be one of their primary focuses. After signing Davis at a discount price, he could earn a long-term contract with Los Angeles going into next season, when they will have more than $25 million in cap room.

At age 25, the potential of improvement could also be an enticing factor in the Lakers retaining his services. Count on Davis to see extended minutes alongside Julius Randle.

The two could form a talented duo going forward.

Despite being listed at power forward for his career, Davis’ intangibles could help him translate to the center position. The centers of yesterday are now a thing of the past.

Physical big men like Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning anchored the block on offense. More teams are using mobile bigs and stretch players in their offenses.

Davis’ length and quickness could help him cover those new-age forwards and centers.

Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin will likely run the offense for the Lakers. Davis will be able to find points by being active around the rim.

The Lakers will likely rely on jump-shooting and feeding the interior as the secondary option. If the rest of the Lakers backcourt shoot at high volume, Davis rebounding ability becomes that much more important.

Last season per 36 minutes, Davis averaged 9.8 rebounds per game.

Last season, Davis posted only 5.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. With extended minutes and opportunity, I project he averages 9.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while playing 20.8 minutes.

That number increases from 15.2 last season with Memphis. Davis will have his moments in Los Angeles, and the sense is that he will finally find a team that will allow him adequate growth.

Davis needs someone to believe in him and give him a long leash. There are no better situations in the league than a team looking to re-establish themselves like the Lakers.

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