Anthony Davis-Dwight Howard Altercation Overshadows Legitimate Concerns for Stumbling Lakers

With the Lakers season in turmoil, their latest highlight was a fight between Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard. The basketball world is still trying to figure out what that means for Laker Nation going forward.

The “dwight howard anthony davis video” is a video that has been going viral. The video shows the altercation between Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard. It has overshadowed legitimate concerns for the Lakers, who have been stumbling of late.

After a hectic offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t gotten off to the best start. Russell Westbrook, the previous NBA MVP, was the most notable addition to the Lakers’ roster. Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, and Wayne Ellington were among the experienced role players they brought in. However, LA had a 0–6 preseason record and has struggled in the first two games that mattered.

Big men Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard scuffled during a timeout during the Lakers’ defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 22 at Staples Center. While the brawl drew national notice, the fact that two rivals were having a little spat obscures more serious issues that are surfacing in Hollywood.

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The Lakers are concerned about their health and product quality.

The Lakers are 0-2 thus far, but Anthony Davis’ spat with Dwight Howard is overshadowing more important worries. Getty Images/Kevork Djansezian

The Lakers’ age was one of the most popular critiques this summer. With an average age of 32.3, they are the NBA’s oldest team, more than a year older than the next most senior squad, the Brooklyn Nets (31.0).

The average age of the Los Angeles Lakers is more than three years greater than that of last year’s oldest team, the Los Angeles Clippers, who were 28.8 years old on average.

While the Lakers have dismissed worries about their long-term viability, their current average age would make them the NBA’s oldest team. Only two other teams had a 32.0 average age. In 1997–98, they were the Houston Rockets, and in 2000–01, they were the Utah Jazz. Both of those clubs qualified for the playoffs, but neither made it beyond the first round.

Ariza and Ellington, two of the team’s veterans, haven’t played this season. After ankle surgery, Ariza will be sidelined until at least early December, while Ellington hurt his hamstring during the preseason.

However, LA is without two of its younger players. A damaged thumb ligament required surgery for Talen Horton-Tucker. He’ll be out until at least the middle of November. Due to a bone bruise on his knee, Kendrick Nunn, a free-agent signing from the Miami Heat during the summer, will be sidelined for at least two to three weeks.

Moving ahead, the Davis-Howard feud isn’t a huge problem.

When Howard and Davis snarled and shoved one other during a first-half stoppage, the optics were not ideal. According to NBA.com, both players characterized it as a one-time occurrence after the game. Coach Frank Vogel felt the same way.

“We’re competitors who just care about winning games,” Davis said. “It’s finished.”

Howard was more outspoken about the situation, but his message was the same.

“We were irritated with a play.” We’d both had a quarrel, and we’d both been caught up in our emotions. It occurs all the time. We’ve reached adulthood. We’re attempting to find out what’s going on.”

According to Sports Illustrated, Vogel downplayed the altercation:

“Dwight and AD had a coverage misunderstanding, which they worked out, but you know, when you’re getting your a** kicked, talks can get hot.” Those men care about each other, and they talked it out, which is something that will happen from time to time. I’d prefer our troops were concerned than unconcerned.”

Coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers

The public nature of the confrontation garnered a lot of attention. However, the Lakers have much more pressing concerns.

A little adversity, according to Westbrook, isn’t a terrible thing for the Lakers.

During the preseason, Westbrook and the Lakers were concerned about turnovers. Westbrook turned the ball over 23 times in four games and 101 minutes, compared to just 20 assists. The ratio is somewhat better in the first two regular-season games, but 13 assists and eight turnovers aren’t great either.

He isn’t panicked, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“To be honest, I’m OK with adversity,” Westbrook remarked. “Over the course of a season, I never panic. This is especially true towards the beginning of the season. There’s no need to do so. The season is just too lengthy, and no one is currently winning anything.”

Los Angeles is currently turning the ball over on 16 percent of their possessions, putting them in the bottom ten in the NBA. They have a minus-6.5 net rating per 100 possessions. The Lakers wanted to play quickly throughout the summer, and they’ve done just that. Their 106.75 possessions per game are second-fastest in the NBA, following only the Golden State Warriors.

However, LA is shooting just 43.6 percent overall, neutralizing their strong 39.5 percent 3-point shooting. So far, Westbrook is 10-of-28 and has failed to convert all seven of his deep efforts. Bazemore, who is advertised as a 3-and-D winger, is 3-for-11 from long range through two games.

Davis and LeBron James are both averaging 27.5 and 29.5 points per game, respectively. However, Anthony is their third-leading scorer (12.5 points per night), with Westbrook (11.5 points per night) being their only other double-figure scorer.

The Lakers are a veteran-laden club with a roster full of players who have achieved success at the highest levels. It’s a solid bet that they’ll figure it out. But it’s going to be unpleasant until they do.

Basketball Reference and NBA.com provided the statistics.

RELATED: James Worthy, a Lakers legend, sends Anthony Davis a stern message: ‘Needs to Get Damn Nasty And Do It Every Night.’

The “dwight howard age” is a legitimate concern for the Lakers. Anthony Davis was involved in an altercation with Dwight Howard, which overshadowed the team’s recent struggles.