LeBron James gets right on Anthony Davis’ lack of offensive involvement vs OKC, says only one player found rhythm

On By Littum

The Los Angeles Lakers are largely out of the 2024 NBA Cup after a tough loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The LA Lakers’ struggles continue as the defending champions were defeated at the hands of OKC in the 2024 NBA Cup group stage.

After four quarters, the Purple and Gold were handed a 101-93 defeat by the Thunder.

The biggest highlight was the Thunder’s incredible defense, which ensured they kept Anthony Davis quiet for most of the game.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Crypto.com...
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

LeBron James struggled, Anthony Davis was kept quiet

Davis finished the game with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists along with 1 steal and 4 blocks to his name. However, the big veteran attempted just nine field goals despite playing 38 minutes.

On the other hand, LeBron James’ poor form continued as the king was held to just 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He also shot an abysmal 5-of-13 from the field, including an 0-4 three-point shooting night.

James is now averaging just 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists over the last eight games. He has a plus-minus of -72. It’s clear that the Lakers have only gone 4-4 in that stretch.

This is arguably the first time during James’ Lakers tenure that it feels like he’s going through a steep decline.

One LA Lakers player still showed up

Los Angeles, California November 21, 2024-Lakers Dalton Knecht is introduced before a game at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

With the Lakers falling to an 11-8 record and virtually eliminated from the NBA Cup, you’d think there was no upside for the team.

But as James pointed out in the postgame interview, star rookie Dalton Knecht still had a great outing. LBJ also talked about Davis’ lack of involvement on the offensive end of the floor.

“We all have to do a better job of trying to keep him (Anthony Davis) involved offensively because we know what that does to our offense,” James said.

He added, “I think it was just one of those games where I don’t think anybody was in rhythm much besides Dalton (Knecht).”

Knecht scored 20 points on a 6-of-13 shooting performance from the three-point line as the highly touted rookie continues to impress in a starting five role.

But as James mentioned, almost every player struggled to score. If the Purple and Gold had found a way to get AD more involved, the game might have ended differently.

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