Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from the first 5 games

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 30 LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks past spurs defenders during first half action at AT&T Center on December 30, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

Los Angeles Lakers Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Anthony Davis’s slow start

One of the slower starting players for the Lakers so far has been Anthony Davis. While the newer players and some of the lower-usage and bench players on this roster are no worse for wear coming off last season’s bubble experience, Davis has taken some time to get rolling. He’s scored 20 points or less in three of the four games he’s played and has an average of just 19.8 points per game. Needless to say, this low-scoring trend won’t be one that we need to worry about extending deep into the season, but it’s certainly a starting point to keep a quizzical eye on. Davis did miss one game with an injury, and his replacement brings us to our next takeaway.

Related Story. Lakers: 3 big questions going into the season. light

3. Starter Kyle Kuzma is the real deal

It turns out Kyle Kuzma is an outstanding emergency starter. After Davis was ruled out against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, Kuzma stepped into the starting lineup and immediately lit a fire under his Los Angeles Lakers teammates. By the time all was said and done he shot 8-of-12, scored 20 points and added three rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 29 minutes of action. Obviously, Kuzma can’t start on a regular basis with Anthony Davis ahead of him in the rotation, but Davis will miss games this season and he can step right in and be a more than adequate occasional replacement.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers