Frank Vogel, Magic Johnson Thrilled After Anthony Davis’ Debut for the Lakers

After beating the Golden State Warriors 132-101 in their first preseason match, the Los Angeles Lakers coach, Frank Vogel, had nothing but kind words for Anthony Davis. The biggest addition to the purple and gold roster was excellent last night, and Vogel couldn’t hide his happiness for having the Eyebrow on his crew.

“He’s a monster,” Vogel said when asked about Davis. “It’s going to be very difficult to slow him down with what we had around him. I’m excited about what he’s going to do, and Lakers fan should be, too.”

The former no.1 pick landed in LA from New Orleans after a lot of problems and long and exhausting talks. And it seems that all those problems made him eager to get back on the court. In his debut for the purple and gold, he had 22 points, 10 boards, and 2 assists in just 18 minutes played, shooting 9 of 16 from the floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKRUZQHjVVE

He was extremely dominant in the first period, when he delivered 17 points, having five dunks, and putting back most of the Lakers misses. His first points were after LeBron’s miss, getting and-one, and that almost personified his future with this team. He is brought to help James and to correct all his failures, and eventually lead the Lakers to another title.

“He’s a very cerebral player. It was a good start for him,” said James about his new teammate. “AD’s AD,” James said. “I thought he was great from the beginning of the game, just his offset on the offensive end just to be able to get us extra possessions with rebounding.”

The Lakers found the cure for the Warriors right from the start and didn’t allow for the home team to have the slightest chance of coming back or changing the momentum. After ending the first quarter with a 13-point lead, 33-20, everything was clear at the new Chase Center.

The Lakers’ legend, Magic Johnson, who abruptly stepped down from his executive position earlier this year, was delighted with what he saw from Davis. The five-time champion with the purple and gold, stated that all other opponents should watch out.

“Laker Nation, I just watched Lebron and Anthony Davis put on a show in the 1st quarter of the Lakers vs. Warriors exhibition game. Watch out rest of the NBA!”

Laker Nation, I just watched Lebron and Anthony Davis put on a show in the 1st quarter of the Lakers vs. Warriors exhibition game. Watch out rest of the NBA!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 6, 2019

LeBron, on the other hand, finished the game with 15 points and 8 assists, shooting 5 of 10 from the field. JaVale McGee had 10 points and 13 boards.

The Lakers’ defense was also working quite good in this match. They held four of the Golden State’s starters under the 10-point limit, with only Steph Curry posting 18 points. Though the two-time MVP was 5 of 11 from, hitting just one downtown shot in five attempts. D’Angelo Russell was limited to only 4 buckets, making two of his nine shots, and missing all four threes.

Also, the guests controlled the glass, having 11 boards more, 58-47, and they also decreased the Warriors’ productivity and shooting percentages. Steve Kerr’s guys had only 26.2% percent from behind the arc, 11 of 42, and were overall 39.3% from the field, 35 of 89.

Up next the Lakers are facing the Brooklyn Nets next Thursday, but that game will be played in China at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. LeBron will face his former teammate Kyrie Irving, who is trying to have a fresh start after having a disappointing experience with the Boston Celtics. Kevin Durant won’t play but is expected to be present in China.