Lakers should be worried about Anthony Davis shooting numbers

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 26: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs teammate Anthony Davis #3 at the end of the game at AT&T Center on October 26, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. The Lakers won 125-121 in overtime. 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) /

Los Angeles Lakers should be worried about Anthony Davis shooting numbers: Lack of identity

Firstly, their struggles offensively can be partially attributed to a complete lack of continuity. Russell Westbrook has been the one constant in their starting lineup, with Davis switching between power forward or center depending on whether Frank Vogel wants to go with DeAndre Jordan or a wing.

With LeBron James having missed games throughout the early part of the season, Vogel has had to experiment with different starting lineups. Kent Bazemore began the season as a starter but has been a shell of the 40% three-point shooter he was with the Warriors last season, so much so that he’s now right out of the rotation.

We’ve seen Wayne Ellington and/or Carmelo Anthony starting if Vogel wants more shooting, or Avery Bradley if he wants more defense. We also saw Talen Horton-Tucker briefly come into the starting lineup shortly after coming back from his own injury. With Davis off the floor, we even saw James at center for portions of their win over the Pistons.

It means that the Lakers don’t really have an identity at this point. They’re currently 22nd in defensive rating and 16th in offensive rating, indicative of Vogel’s failed attempts to implement a lineup conducive to at least one side of the ball. To make matters worse, James has now entered into health and safety protocols, adding more disruption to an already unsettled team.

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