Anthony Davis Makes 'One Thing Clear' to JJ Redick, Lakers

After a string of injury-riddled campaigns, Anthony Davis finally stayed healthy for the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

Davis played 76 games in the regular season, the most in his 12-year career. He once again imposed his will on both ends, averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks.

He played a lot at center, as former Lakers coach Darvin Ham leaned on small-ball lineups. It didn't help that the team also lacked depth in the frontcourt.

With new coach JJ Redick calling the shots, the 31-year-old Davis said he doesn't want to be the Lakers' sole inside presence, according to a report from ESPN insider Dave McMenamin .

"One thing Davis has made clear to the Lakers, sources told ESPN, is his preference to play alongside another big more often," wrote McMenamin.

He noted that "the Lakers are thin in the middle going into the season" due to Christian Wood undergoing left knee surgery. He will be sidelined for at least eight weeks.

The only other centers at Redick's disposal are Jaxson Hayes and two-way player Colin Castleton.

Davis, a nine-time All-Star, has said before that he likes playing as a power forward. But in recent seasons, he has battled natural centers, including Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid and Minnesota Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert.

The Lakers reportedly tried to get Jonas Valanciunas in the offseason for more height but lost out to the Washington Wizards.

Redick said he trusts Davis and LeBron James to come in prepared and set the tone for the other Lakers, as they look to bounce back from their first-round exit in last season's playoffs.

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