In a somewhat overlooked storyline during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason finale against the Phoenix Suns, the encounter marked the first meeting between the Lakers and their former head coach, Frank Vogel. Vogel, who steered the team to the 2020 NBA Championship, primarily led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, faced his former players once again.

Both LeBron and Davis delivered outstanding performances against their former coach, with the latter creating a defensive spectacle against the Suns. Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ formidable big man, recorded an impressive 15 points and an astonishing six blocks in just 23 minutes of play.

Following the game, Coach Vogel openly acknowledged that being on the opposing end of Anthony Davis’ defensive prowess is far more challenging than having him on your own side. He highlighted that the Lakers presented a significant test for his Suns, particularly praising the offensive quartet of LeBron, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and the dynamic Davis as a relentless challenge, via Clutch Points:

“It’s a lot easier coaching him than coaching against him, I’ll tell you that. He’s a handful, and it was actually a great preseason game for us because D-Lo and Austin and LeBron as handlers, with AD rolling to the basket, that’s as tough a cover as you’re gonna get. They beat us a bunch of times, and when you get beat like that, it forces us to tighten the screws on our coverages and how we’re gonna try to limit guys like that. It was a good test for us.”

Anthony Davis showcased his defensive prowess throughout the last season, solidifying his status as one of the best defenders in the entire NBA. His agility, enabling him to defend on the perimeter and protect the rim at an elite level, is a unique and invaluable asset.

Vogel also emphasized the Lakers’ offensive strength, with three exceptional playmakers in LeBron, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell, complemented by one of the league’s premier roll men, Anthony Davis. This quartet, along with sharpshooter Taurean Prince, forms a formidable offensive lineup that posed significant challenges to Vogel’s Suns. The encounter shed light on areas where Phoenix needs to enhance its defensive strategies to contend with such a formidable offensive powerhouse.