The Lakers are off to an 0-2 start while getting outscored by 19 points a night.
One of the few bright spots has been the play of forward-center Ed Davis, who is averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocked shots and 1.5 steals in 27.1 minutes a game.
Davis was initially charged with playing backup center to Jordan Hill, but the season-ending injury to rookie power forward Julius Randle (broken leg) will give Davis more time at power forward.
Starting power forward Carlos Boozer has averaged fewer minutes (25.3) than Davis while averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and a steal.
In Wednesday’s 119-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Boozer had a difficult time, turning the ball over eight times. Through the two losses, Boozer has yet to block a shot and has shot 47.4% from the field.
Meanwhile Davis has shot 64.7% from the field and does not have a turnover.
Davis has also gotten more minutes a game than Hill (24.4), who is averaging 6.5 points and 10.5 rebounds with a single block in two appearances.
Coach Byron Scott may stick with the Boozer/Hill starting pair for the foreseeable future, but he has already called upon Davis to play a significant role in the rotation.
Davis’ combination of athleticism, mobility and overall court awareness might be valuable enough to eventually promote the 25-year-old to the starting lineup — especially if the Lakers continue to struggle.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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