The Los Angeles Lakers are high contenders for next year’s championship. After experiencing a rollercoaster ride during the 2022-23 season, they eventually found their stride; helping them propel deep into the playoffs. Their newfound chemistry wasn’t solely driven by their star players, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, but also by the contributions of role players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell. Despite a disappointing exit to the Denver Nuggets, it’s evident that the Lakers are heading in the right direction.

To maintain their momentum, they have retained the services of Austin Reaves, Russell, and Rui Hachimura. However, the lessons from the past season indicate that the Lakers must improve more to clinch the championship.

Former LeBron James’ teammate predicts AD is the key for Lakers

In a recent episode of Road Trippin, Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson joined Allie Clifton to discuss certain NBA narratives. Early into the thirty-minute conversation, the group discussed the potential for the Lakers in the upcoming season.

After claiming that the Lakers are a top 10 team in the league, Jefferson claimed D’Angelo Russell would be on the Lakers post-trade deadline despite him being a great asset. Channing then said that he can’t be an all-star besides AD and LeBron James despite Anthony Davis trusting Russell (a 47% shooter from the field) out of a double team. However, Frye then claimed that Davis’ performances could determine the Lakers’ success. He said, “If AD is the man, everyone else falls in line.”

When it comes to big men and skills, Anthony Davis undoubtedly ranks among the elite in the NBA. Last year, just before his unfortunate injury, Davis was amidst an exceptional individual stretch. His performances even prompted his superstar teammate, LeBron James, to endorse him as an MVP candidate. However, the unfortunate trend of health setbacks plagued him in December.

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There’s no denying that AD is the focal point of the Lakers‘ quest for a championship. If Davis can maintain his health and consistently anchor the team, it will alleviate everyone else’s roles on the roster.

Can Anthony Davis be the league’s MVP this year?

In recent seasons, MVP honors in the NBA have been dominated by three exceptional talents: Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. One thing that the three have in common with AD is that they are all big men. Anthony Davis is a part of the conversation when talking about elite big men in the league. Some might even argue that he’s a superior player to any or all three of them.

As we look ahead to the 2023-2024 season, the time has come for Davis to make his claim for an MVP title. One source of motivation is the rise of frontcourt players clinching the title. Coming seasons increasingly look like his last alongside LeBron James, adding another layer of motivation to establish himself as the heir to the throne.

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Despite being surrounded by doubters, Anthony Davis is known to be his harshest critic. As the Lakers unit rallies behind his back for the 2023 season, they intend to go above and beyond in assisting him to perform at a superstar level. Furthermore, if AD aims for the MVP title this year, it will align him with the Lakers’ expectations of him, making it a win-win situation for everybody.