Rookie Alex Sarr is studying Lakers star Anthony Davis to enhance his defensive skills this season.
The Lakers are gearing up for a competitive season, aiming to establish themselves as a top contender in the Western Conference.
With 13 teams vying for playoff spots, the challenge is significant. However, the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis gives the Lakers a solid foundation.
This year’s rookie class has been labeled as one of the weakest in recent memory, but there are still players who could surprise.
One such player is Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards. Despite not receiving as much attention as other top picks, Sarr is determined to make an impact.
As he prepares for his rookie season, Sarr has focused on studying the defensive skills of established players, particularly Anthony Davis. He aims to learn from the best, honing his instincts and understanding of when to make defensive plays.
Sarr told Mark Medina of Sportskeeda that he had studied Davis’ defensive game and other great defenders in the league as he prepares for his rookie season.
“I studied the whole league, really. I just see how different guys guard. There are a lot of different great shot blockers. I’ve look at AD (Anthony Davis), Jaren Jackson Jr. and Rudy Gobert clips. For me, it’s more a matter of instincts and knowing when to go for the ball and when not to go.”
Sarr possesses the physical attributes to become a strong defender, and Davis is an excellent model for him. Known for his versatility on defense, Davis can guard multiple positions, making him a standout in the league.
His impressive defensive record includes multiple selections to All-NBA Defensive Teams and leading the league in blocks.
The Lakers will face the Wizards and Sarr on January 21, providing an early opportunity to see how much Sarr has learned from studying Davis.