LOS ANGELES – Durbin Hamm, who has felt the pressure of a 2-10 loss during his tenure as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, received words of comfort from All-Star big man Anthony Davis ahead of Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. I was.
“We had a really good conversation [Davis] After our last game, our last loss,” Hamm said after the Lakers’ 116-103 win over the Nets put them on a five-game losing streak. For me, as a first-time head coach, it was huge to me that a player of that size was always willing to do whatever was required of them. “
Davis has Hamm’s back, carries the Brooklyn jersey number, and has season-highs in both points (37) and rebounds (18).
Already enjoying a comeback season after missing more than half of the Lakers’ games the past two seasons due to injury, Davis has been missing in the second half during several recent losses.
Before Sunday’s contest, Hamm said it would be up to Davis to fix his lack of touch himself.
“He just asked for the ball,” Hamm said. “Then it begins.”
It actually started before Davis’ game. An avid Green Bay Packers fan, Davis said he was motivated by watching Green Bay flip the Dallas Cowboys.
“I was watching the Packers game before…and Aaron Rodgers threw a slant to Allen Lazard. He ran for about 40 yards. And he started. [screaming] I was motivated before the game,” Davis said. be dominant.He knew he had to win this victory, and many, especially [LeBron James] Out — Many people rely on me to get their work done. “
Davis went 15-for-25 from the field, 23 of which were in the paint. From the free throw line he was 7-7.
“I was trying to get to the paint and scoring because I knew their shot blocking was limited,” Davis said. “Set the screen and the guards will attack downhill and attack [Nic] Is it Claxton? [Markieff] Just snap into Morris and rim. Even if they miss, offensively he has a chance to rebound because I have a guard and a chance to score there. “
Davis had more offensive rebounds individually (10) than the Nets had as a team (8).
“AD played like a monster tonight,” said Lakers point guard Patrick Beverly. “And everyone cheated on him.”
The Lakers hope to have them all on board for the first time all season in their next game at home against the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
James has missed the past two games with a strained left groin, while Dennis Schroeder and Thomas Bryant are recovering from thumb surgery but have yet to make their season debuts.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the Lakers will be taking four days off this week with no games to rest, rehab and prepare for the Pistons.
“We definitely wanted to win tonight. Let’s have a good off week before the game on Friday,” Davis said. “It gives players a chance to take a few days out of the game to reset and come back with the mentality that they have to get away for a bit. [wins] continue. “
