Anthony Davis Still Wants to Play Less Center. Does Signing Christian Wood Make That Happen?

Anthony Davis wants to play power forward, not center. This is not something new. He said it last year, too, but in the end played (not an exaggeration) 99% of his minutes at center. Some of that was context, some of it was the evolution of Davis as a player. The numbers, for a while, have indicated the Lakers are more effective team when he plays there. So reportedly, Davis again wants to play more PF, and the Lakers did just sign someone who could theoretically make that possible in Christian Wood. So does Wood's arrival mean that Davis is bound to get his wish? Well, sort of? The ability of Wood to play with Davis, at least on paper, means that the two of them should be just fine on the floor together. Wood, meanwhile, is someone who can, in theory, play 25 minutes a night. So Davis to the four! Not so fast. The issue isn't just about Davis, but LeBron James. And if Davis plays 75% of his minutes at the four, that means James is playing about that many at small forward. And, that, in terms of defense along with wear and tear, is a really poor idea. But could Wood and Davis play together while LeBron isn't on the floor? OR for a few minutes when he is? Sure! So maybe that number drops from 99% to 80% 85% is that enough difference to make Davis happy? Next... Austin Reaves and Team USA lost in the bronze medal game to Canada this weekend, and whenever the US loses to ... well, anyone in basketball, people get mad. And Reaves took plenty of flak for his defense in the last few games. Did anything happen in the tournament/lead up that should cause real concern? Finally, Friday's show was all about Jarred Vanderbilt, and his new extension eligibility. Both of us had numbers in mind for what would make sense. Many people thought we were lowballing him, though, reflecting a more broad undervaluing of his skills. So are they right? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: AD wants to play the 4. Does he get his wish? SEGMENT 2: Reaves and Team USA finish fourth... SEGMENT 3: Did we undervalue Jarred Vanderbilt? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.  Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices