With their sights set on next season, the Lakers are in the process of giving younger players on the roster extended minutes to see how they may fit into future plans.
Among the players who don’t fit into that category are veterans Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer. Boozer last saw game action on March 22, missing the following four games. Hill was absent for three of the four games along with Boozer. Hill returned for Sunday’s game against Nets. However, joining boozer on the bench for a “rest” day was Ed Davis, who is in his first season with the Lakers.
Not surprisingly, Davis wasn’t on board with the decision.
“Honestly, I don’t like it,” Davis said via the LA Times. “I didn’t ask to sit out or anything. I wanted to play 82 games this year. But, you know, it’s not my decision.”
“I’m going to support the guys and be there, stay professional and stay ready.”
While the situation is a tough one to navigate, it also presents a unique set of circumstances. For players like Boozer, Hill, and Davis being a healthy scratch can certainly be a source of frustration. On the other hand, guys like Jordan Clarkson, Ryan Kelly, and Tarik Black are gaining valuable game experience they probably wouldn’t be with Los Angeles vying for a playoff spot.
In terms of Davis being a piece of the Lakers moving forward, that appears to not be the case so his time in Los Angeles is coming to a close with each passing DNP. He has a player option to return, but will reportedly decline it to become a free agent at the end of the season.
