The Los Angeles Lakers have now looked at the Memphis Grizzlies twice in their first eleven games, evening out the matchups. However, Anthony Davis sat out the first game, so Wednesday night was the first time he got to see one of the most polarizing draft picks of the 2024 NBA Draft in big man Zach Edey.

Edey, the towering 7-foot-1, 22-year-old center, has been one of the best players in all of college basketball over the past four years. He won the AP Player of the Year award – the best player in the sport – in both his junior and senior campaigns. However, many felt that his lack of speed and traditional playing style would not translate to the NBA.

The Grizzlies thought nothing of it and took Edey ninth overall in June’s draft. And the early returns have been great. He is averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds on 62.2% from the field through his first twelve games and has made a big impact both as a starter and off the bench.

Davis talked about what it’s like going up against Edey and gave an assessment of the rookie based on what he saw the first time he worked with him.

“He’s a big body. He’s 7’4. Every time you have a man like that, your awareness increases, especially in rebounding. He took a few shots at me.

“And then you go against another guy in Wemby on Friday. These guys are extremely long, so you definitely have to do your work a little earlier to push him out. But Edey will certainly be a good player in this competition.”

Edey had 12 points and eight rebounds – four offensive – against the Lakers on Wednesday night and had eight points and seven rebounds in their previous meeting when Davis was out. Davis presents one of the toughest games in the competition for Edey, but he has held his own relatively well.

Another blow to Edey was that many saw him as a finished product with not much room for growth. But he’s already showing improvement at the NBA level, and with the skills he has, he should be able to grow even further on both ends of the court.

Lakers face closed doors during trade talks

Anthony Davis got such a good look at Zach Edey on Wednesday night because he was the only available center on the roster who wasn’t on a two-way contract. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood are both out due to injury, leaving Davis with a heavy burden on his shoulder.

However, it doesn’t help that the Lakers are reportedly facing closed doors when trying to engage teams in trade talks.

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