USA Today via Reuters
May 9, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 9, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers have finally broken their winless run in October after an emphatic over the Grizzlies at home. LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 41 points as the Lakers downed the Grizzlies at the Staples Center. Anthony Davis had a stellar outing against the Grizzlies and impressed everyone with his defensive displays.
Anthony Davis struggled with injuries last season and missed a majority of the season due to that. He played just 36 games in the regular season, averaging 21.8 PPG, his lowest since 2014.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 24, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The 2019-20 season was a testament to what a fit Anthony Davis could do. And the Chicago-born star is showing just that this season. In the first three games, he has averaged 25.6 PPG and has even performed his defensive duties well. Recently, Lakers legend Michael Cooper talked about Davis in a recent podcast.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Anthony Davis, Scottie Pippen, & Other Teammates of LeBron James and Michael Jordan Pick Sides in GOAT Debate
Michael Cooper sets expectations for Anthony Davis this season
Former Lakers guard Michael Cooper appeared in a recent episode of SiriusXM NBA Radio. During the podcast, he explained why Davis is crucial to the Lakers’ success this season.
“Now if you remember when the Lakers were in the bubble, they had Howard and JaVale McGee. Anthony Davis didn’t have to play all those big minutes. Go out and be the players he’s supposed to be. I think he’s been put back into that situation. You don’t have to 38-40-45 mins. He needs to be the superstar the Lakers need to win,” Cooper said.
“He can get away to playing 60-65 games with some rest in between and that’s the luxury that the Lakers have. Anthony Davis will be the best player out there. When he’s on the court, he creates more problems than any player in the league other than Durant.”
“Anthony Davis needs to be an MVP player. Because if everybody does their job and he does what he’s supposed to be the MVP player, Lakers cannot be beaten.”
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"He needs to be that superstar when the Lakers need to win"
Lakers Great Michael Cooper explains to @talkhoops & @HowardBeck why Anthony Davis is the key to their season.
Hear the Grizzlies-Lakers game right now on NBA Radio! 🔊 https://t.co/AYipQpw9t4 pic.twitter.com/R7xFRPeZTh
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 25, 2021
Davis is enjoying a fantastic start to the season. He managed to score 33 points in the first game against the Warriors. In the next game, he tallied 22 points against the Suns. Davis improved his defensive work in the third game against the Grizzlies and was praised by head coach Frank Vogel.
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Anthony Davis and the Lakers will now travel to San Antonio as they face Spurs in their first away game of the season. Can Davis and the Lakers get back to the winning ways and mount a serious challenge for the championship from now on? Let us know in the comment section below.
