Anthony Davis has proven himself to be one of the most dominant power forwards in the last decade. Davis was an assertive force to be reckoned with during his stint with the New Orleans Pelicans. He led the league in blocks per game on multiple occasions and emerged as the star player of the Pelicans. However, AD requested for a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers to team up with LeBron James in 2019.
AD wasted little to no time in catching up with the team’s tempo. He instantly formed a memorable two-way partnership with Bron in the regular season. AD averaged 26 points, 9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks to help the Lakers clinch the first seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.
He was instrumental in the NBA Finals and helped the Lakers clinch their 17th championship. He became the first athlete to win an NCAA title, an Olympic gold medal, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and an NBA title.
After two injury-riddled seasons, AD failed to contribute to the team’s success. It led the team to make early exits from the playoffs. AD’s poor performance in the previous seasons has got the fans baffled because they are well aware of his incredible potential. One of the fans who believe so, is none other than the NBA legend Vince Carter. The veteran recently stated on his podcast ‘The Vince Carter Show’:
Vince Carter shows admiration towards Anthony Davis for how he could be ‘huge’ for the Lakers
“AD is huge to this puzzle for the Lakers because LeBron can beat box office if Anthony Davis is carrying the load.”
“LeBron doesn’t feel like he has to do it all and exert all the time like when you need a bucket, when you need it to be LeBron. But it shouldn’t have to be that every night for 82 games when you have a Anthony Davis with the potential.”
If LeBron continues to manage his recent form and AD is in perfect health, Lakers would be an unstoppable force in the upcoming season. He even spoke about the recent Lakers acquisition and Dennis Schroder in particular, stating:
Pretty eye-popping stat here from @ramonashelburne on Anthony Davis’ availability and the Battle of LA via NBA Today. pic.twitter.com/WRozEjqGbq
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 21, 2022
“I think he’s been humbled now and I think he’s hungry. I think he understands the dynamic of being a Laker. He’s been in playoff games.”
“He understands what it takes and the level of focus and I think guys who should be in the league. I’m gonna use Carmelo, for example, who should be in the league, had to sit out. Yeah, they’re gonna respond. These guys are taking advantage of that opportunity. So I think he’ll be fine.”
As Carter said, Davis has missed a number of games in the past. He will be hungry to get back on the court and replicate what he did in 2020. That year, he was instrumental in the Lakers’ title win. If he manages to stay injury-free this season, it is highly likely for him to be successful once again.
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