Fansided

3 players who need to step up and deliver for Lakers in Game 2 vs. Suns

By Steven Kubitza

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns slam dunks the ball past Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

C. Anthony Davis. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Los Angeles Lakers. 2. 20

Yet again, we have an obvious choice in Anthony Davis.

The big man had a rough time on the floor Sunday, finishing at minus-18 in 39 minutes. Davis scored just 13 points and also only grabbed seven rebounds. Andre Drummond had a better overall performance and Lakers fans are left wondering if Davis is playing at full health.

Phoenix having Deandre Ayton on the floor is another huge concern for Lakers fans. He grabbed 16 total rebounds and had eight on offense alone. If Davis cannot outwork the 22-year-old the Lakers are doomed.

The positive here is Davis is indeed an All-Star and one game is not going to define his series. The Lakers did still hold the Suns to 99 points, so the defense was not a total disaster. Davis may have just needed another reminder that young guys like Ayton are ready to dominate this league.

But Davis is still only 28 years old and appears to be durable given the fact he played 39 minutes in the Game 1 loss. Real fear would start creeping in if his Game 2 performance is even worse.

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