Anthony Davis entered this season telling reporters that he doesn’t necessarily love playing the center position but is willing do so whenever it helps the team. During Friday’s win over the Utah Jazz, head coach Frank Vogel made the adjustment of sliding Davis over to the five from his starting power forward spot and it proved critical in securing their first win of the year. Following the game, A.D. discussed his willingness to continue playing the five for Los Angeles whenever it makes the most sense.
“In the last three minutes in the second quarter, coach had me at the five and we just ran pick-and-rolls,” Davis told reporters after the Utah win. “It had Rudy kind of disoriented about what he was doing. Bron was coming downhill, and I was rolling to the basket so it was a tough cover for Utah.
“We found shooters on the weak-side as well. So we thought it would be more effective for me to be at the five to win this game. We did it in the third quarter, we were able to get the lead, and then get the win.”
That pick-and-roll between LeBron James and Davis was particularly devastating for the Jazz–especially in the third quarter. By forcing a defending center like Rudy Gobert to move and contend with that action near the top of the key, it helped open up driving lanes for LeBron, roll opportunities for Davis along with perimeter shots for players like Troy Daniels and Danny Green.
“If it makes sense, then obviously I don’t mind doing it,” Davis added of the move to center. “And it made sense tonight. Coach is very smart, and he will pick and choose when he wants me to play the five. And it might not be all game.
“It might just be the second half, or the third quarter to play the five. And we were able to accomplish some great things out of it. So anytime we can do that and it helps the team I’m all for it.”
The Lakers will tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets tonight at 6:30 p.m. PDT. Based on the lack of firepower that Charlotte will line up opposite LeBron and company, there’s a chance that A.D. may not log too many minutes at the five against the Hornets. We can expect Vogel to be selective in when he chooses to make that adjustment throughout the season. But it certainly seems like it will be an effective move for Los Angeles anytime he does push that button.
