Predicting the Los Angeles Lakers’ leaders in every statistical category
By Luke Duffy
Anthony Davis will lead the Los Angeles Lakers in blocks.
Davis popping up for the second time tells you all you need to know about the recent struggles of the Lakers. Although James could potentially lead the franchise in most statistical areas, it would put too much of a strain on his body and so he needs to pick his spot. Davis was meant to gradually take on that role when they teamed up, but injuries have hampered that process.
Nevertheless, Davis is back to lead another area for the Lakers, despite having only played 137 regular season games in his three years so far with the organization. Much like the rebounds, Davis is the leader here by process of elimination. In only 40 games played last year, he led the Lakers in rebounds as we have discussed, but also blocks (2.3).
Looking around the roster, and Bryant is again somebody who could come close to Davis. Wenyen Gabriel gives tons of effort, but that is not likely to translate into enough blocks to really make an impact here. Damian Jones is now on the roster, although for a center he doesn’t seem to do the level of rebounding and blocking required for somebody at that position.
This brings us back to Davis. Even if he spends less time in the paint like he hopes to, that is only going to let him have more of an impact in blocking shots. Whether he likes to do it or not, Davis is mobile enough to patrol the 3-point line and chase smaller players away from their spots.
This will equate to more blocks as opponents try and get a shot off when he is nearby. Such is the length of Davis, he can get in the way of some shots even when he is caught out of position.
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This comes down to effort and intensity, which may not always be there. But his frame and abilities are a known quantity, and they are more than enough to lead the Lakers in blocks this season.