By james art 
After the start of 2024-25 NBA three-game winning season, the Los Angeles Lakers disappointed fans with back-to-back losses at Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers. Friday’s 131-125 win in Canada vs Toronto Raptors it was still a crucial recovery Anthony Davis issued a stern warning after the match.
“Unacceptable”, Davis said of Lakers‘ performance, especially in response to the points they conceded after a solid start. “Yes, we have won and we will certainly take the victory. It’s hard to win in this league, especially away from home, but we are far from where we want to be,” the center admitted in his postgame comments.
“Having such a big lead, giving up 31 points. I think 31 in the second, 38 in the third,” Anthony added, citing the Lakers’ defensive lapses. “If we have any goals, aspirations to do something this season, we can’t let that happen defensively.” DavisHis frustration was clear as he recounted the team’s mistakes that almost cost them the win.
“We were able to profit from the talent,” said the 31-year-old star. “But we weren’t able to do what we wanted defensively and they felt very comfortable after halftime.”
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a second quarter play against the Sacramento Kings
A Tale of Two Endings: Offense vs. Defense
Davis’ criticism reflects a troubling trend in the Lakers’ recent play. Although they opened the game with an explosive 43-point first quarter and built a 24-point lead, their defensive intensity waned as the game wore on. The Lakers continued their strong offensive production, save for a third-quarter slump, but defensive lapses allowed the Raptors to pull away, leading to a tense finish.
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This imbalance between attack and defense is a constant problem for JJ Reddick the team at the beginning of the season. Although the team scored high, defensively vulnerabilities continue, preventing them from holding their opponents below the 100-point mark. As a result, Davis and LeBron James they had to shoulder the brunt of the offense to make up for these deficiencies.
Davis offensive rebound
Davis’ offensive prowess is another bright spot for the Lakers. Reflecting his 38 points and season-best production, he attributed his league-leading 31.8 points per game to focused preparation. “I take my time in all my photos,” he explained, discussing his polished approach and summer work that have been instrumental in his scoring surge. “I do a lot of work in the summer. As I always say, American basketball helped me a lot with my rhythm. I was able to come out again and have a big performance.”
With his impressive start, Davis has been the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers’ success, although his criticism shows that he believes they have a long way to go to reach their full potential.