The Los Angeles Lakers, who are 16-15, seem to be insignificantly removed from title contention.

In addition to the expected protracted absence of Gabe Vincent due to knee surgery, the Lakers lack the advantageous health justification that, for instance, the eleventh-seeded Phoenix Suns can invoke (although, in a point against Phoenix, they failed to conduct sufficient research if they didn’t anticipate Bradley Beal to sustain significant injuries). 

LA center Anthony Davis, however, more than did his part offensively, scoring a season-most 40 points on 15-of-26 shooting from the field, pulling down 13 rebounds, dishing out four assists, and blocking one shot in the loss.

He spoke with gathered reporters postgame to unpack his play.

“You always think about shots you could’ve made, defensive plays you could’ve made, rebounds you could’ve had, free throws I could’ve made, things like that, that could’ve changed the game,” Davis said. “I was thinking about in the game, I missed a free throw in the third quarter,  [Boston] ended up getting a fast break three. And all I was thinking was, ‘If I make the free throw that doesn’t happen.'”

Through LA’s last seven games, Davis at least has been on a tear, averaging 31.7 points on 58% shooting from the field, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. That said, LA has gone 2-5 in those games.