LOS ANGELES — Speaking to the media after the game where LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Anthony Davis seemed subdued. But, he often seems subdued postgame, so it was shrugged off.
Then this video appeared and went viral of him seeming disinterested in the historic moment that had the rest of the arena and NBA world on its feet.
Had this DM'ed to me. Can't help but wonder what was up with AD tonight. pic.twitter.com/zTruSPcqSk
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) February 8, 2023
Everything is a soap opera with the Lakers, so of course Davis’ actions became a thing, particularly on social media. People were into reading body language and ascribing motives and feelings.
Davis was asked about it Thursday night after a shorthanded Lakers team (without LeBron, officially due to foot soreness) got overpowered in the second half by the Bucks. AD said he was frustrated because the Lakers were losing to a team they are fighting with for a postseason spot (hat tip ESPN).
“It’s about the game. I mean, we’re losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game we needed. And I was pissed off that we were losing. It’s that simple. It’s nothing that has to do with Bron. He knows that. Everybody else is outside looking in, it’s their opinion. But I was pissed off that we were losing the game.”
Lakers fans will read into the video and Davis’ comments whatever they want, it’s confirmation bias at work. It’s another of the distractions that come with life in the fishbowl that is playing for the Lakers.
Russell Westbrook was not the cause of all frustrations around these Lakers, who are now six games below .500. That is a long way from saying there are issues in the Davis and LeBron relationship — they are joined at the hip now. These Lakers will go as far as that duo can take them, but it may not be nearly as far as they or Lakers’ fans think that should be. These Lakers look great when everything is lined up and goes their way, but good teams overcome adversity and these Lakers have yet to show they can do that consistently.