How can the LA Lakers counter Anthony Davis' constant unavailability?

Anthony Davis is one of the best big men in the NBA. Unfortunately, as talented as he is, the LA Lakers haven't been able to count on him. The eight-time All-Star has missed 18 straight games in the 2022-23 season, which has been disappointing.

The 6-foot-10 forward just can't stay healthy. He's been with the Lakers for four years, yet has appeared in only 163 regular-season games for the team so far.

The Lakers need to figure out how to counter Davis' constant unavailability if they want to achieve success. This article will reveal several things Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka could do to help the team.

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Anthony Davis' constant injuries are a huge problem for LA Lakers

The Lakers have several star players on their roster, but Anthony Davis is supposed to be their leader. As amazing as LeBron James is, he is 38 and shouldn't be tasked with a massive workload.

Davis is only 29 and should still be in his prime. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to stay healthy, which is why the Lakers need to do something about this problem.

Here are a few solutions that could help the team.

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Change Anthony Davis' position

The modern NBA is nearly positionless. However, there is still a difference between playing at the power forward and the center position. Davis has been opposed to playing at the center spot, despite the Lakers wanting to use him at the five.

Putting Davis in the power forward spot would drastically decrease the physical toll. He won't have to guard much taller and stronger players, which should positively affect his body and his availability.

Davis would be more durable at the power forward spot (Image via Getty Images)

You may be interested in reading: Anthony Davis injury update: Anthony Davis expected to return for LA Lakers before All-Star break

Thomas Bryant is perfectly capable of playing at the center position. Besides, both he and Davis can knock down long-range shots, so the Lakers won't clog the paint on offense.

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Utilize load management

As much as NBA fans hate it, the truth is that load management is a great strategy for injury-prone players. Resting players from time to time, especially in back-to-back games, can go a long way.

Many teams utilize this strategy, and that's precisely what the Lakers should do with Anthony Davis.

Davis should get additional rest (Image via Getty Images)

The Lakers have a relatively favorable schedule with only 12 back-to-back games during the 2022-23 season. However, they should give Davis even more time off and let him rest his body.

The 6-foot-10 big man should return by the All-Star break. Once he does, the Lakers should be cautious with him and give him additional rest.

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Trade Davis

Davis is a fantastic player when healthy. In fact, he's having arguably the best season of his career, averaging 27.4 points and a career-high 12.1 rebounds per game. The veteran forward is also incredibly efficient, converting 59.4% of his shots.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, his unavailability makes it extremely difficult for the team to stay consistent. Due to this, trading him may be the best option.

Davis is having a great year with the Lakers (Image via Getty Images)

The Lakers forward has two more years left on his contract. He will receive $40.6 million next season and $43.2 million in the 2024-25 season. Not only are the Lakers paying Davis to sit out, but he's also eating too much of the cap space.

You may be interested in reading: NBA analyst confident about LA Lakers’ playoff hopes if Anthony Davis returns by February

While the Lakers are not exactly contenders, they could possibly trade Davis for a few valuable pieces that could help the team make the playoffs. Finding a trade partner will be tough, but the Lakers have until Feb. 9 to get it done.