The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Brooklyn Nets in the preseason opener, but the star talent from both sides didn’t play.
LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza were out for the Lakers; the first three were because of general rest while Ariza had a sore right foot.
Brooklyn didn’t play its star trio, Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant, as well as other key rotation players, so the star power was lacking.
However, Anthony Davis played 11 minutes in the first quarter, and he explained why (h/t: Spectrum SportsNet):
“I just wanted to play,” Davis said. “I mean, didn’t play much last season from the injury, but I just want to get back and get a rhythm. That way going back into the season, I have a rhythm and ready to go. That’s really what it is. It’s getting a rhythm, whether it’s for a quarter, two quarters, whatever it is. Start building these habits.”
Davis missed 36 regular-season games last year because of multiple lower-leg injuries, and the same issue returned to plague him in the playoffs.
He’s one of, if not the, best big men in the NBA when he’s in form, so getting the early season rust out as soon as possible is crucial for the success of L.A. and himself.
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