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Los Angeles Lakers: Ed Davis Emerging In Preseason

By Jackson Sanders

Oct 21, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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It really was not supposed to go this way for Ed Davis.

He was a lottery pick out of UNC by the Toronto Raptors, and though he never averaged starter’s minutes there, showed the potential to be a double-double threat that could protect the rim. After nearly 100 games with the Memphis Grizzlies following his inclusion in the Rudy Gay trade, Davis managed only 15 minutes per game in a deep frontcourt.

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His contract expired after last season, and this summer he was looking for work with few suitors.

Then the Los Angeles Lakers called.

The terms of the contract were surprising at $2 million for two years. The back year of the deal was a player option, but even then Davis signed for a basement level price. He was set to back up Jordan Hill for the Lakers heading into camp, a player who signed a massive contract in comparison at two years for $18 million.

Now, with the majority of the preseason under his belt, Davis seems to be emerging as a crucial part of the Los Angeles Lakers frontcourt.

In limited minutes, Ed Davis has been a model of efficiency and an excellent shot blocker. Against the Denver Nuggets in the first preseason contest, Davis logged only 12 minutes, but that did not stop him from rejecting four shots while putting up 12 points on the other end.

Through five preseason games, he had 10 blocks and 41 points, despite never playing more than 23 minutes in any particular contest.

Ed Davis
Oct 6, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) lays the ball in during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

While Jordan Hill has played well in his own right, and remains the starter, it is becoming clear that Davis has a real role in this frontcourt rotation that should only grow if he keeps up his current pace protecting the rim.

Of all the Los Angeles Lakers big men, he remains the one that can protect the rim consistently. His efficient scoring (79 percent shooting through five preseason games) proves that he is playing within himself, and keeping to a role; something the Lakers will need as the season progresses.

Davis compliments the other Laker bigs as well, giving him added versatility as head coach Byron Scott builds his rotation. With his shot-blocking ability, Davis can increase the effectiveness of the other, less defensive-oriented players around him.

Staying within his offensive role allows Davis to mesh more easily with the more offensively aggressive players such as Carlos Boozer or Julius Randle. In general, he seems to be a great fit for this roster.

At a mere $1 million this season, Ed Davis has emerged as a potential steal for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has got the talent to make a major impact, and it looks like he understands both his role and where he can help this team the most.

If that trend continues, he should be in line to see a wealth of minutes, certainly more than he was used to while a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the Los Angeles Lakers quest to become a smash-mouth basketball team, Ed Davis’ emergence has become a key. In order for both the Lakers and Davis to live up to their full potential, he will need to maintain it.

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