Despite a late-game surge by the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a win and the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
Even though they won, there is still room for improvement, especially as they move forward to the opening round against the Denver Nuggets.
On Wednesday’s “Undisputed,” Keyshawn Johnson pointed out one player who will have to step up in the upcoming series: Anthony Davis.
“Anthony Davis has to play better,” Johnson said, adding that the Lakers big man cannot “get pushed around” any longer.
“Anthony Davis has to play better. He cannot get pushed around on the inside.”@keyshawn on the Lakers key to success to beat the Denver Nuggets pic.twitter.com/ccDjPCQLkJ
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 17, 2024
Davis notched a double-double on Tuesday, scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds against the Pelicans.
But he will have to do better against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
There were multiple instances of Davis coming up short during the game, driving to the basket but failing to convert his attempts into points.
The Pelicans defense was tough but playing against the Nuggets will be even tougher.
Johnson said that the Lakers will need to be playing at the next level in the days ahead because they do not want to lose the first two games against the Nuggets.
That is a tall order for Los Angeles, who have been defeated by the Nuggets eight times in a row.
They were famously swept by Denver in the Western Conference Finals last year and they are hoping to avoid a similar fate this time.
Davis isn’t the only player who will need to perform better in the series against the Nuggets.
Every member of the Lakers has to treat the Nuggets like the reigning champions they are.
NEXT:
Darvin Ham Sends A Clear Message After Win Over Pelicans