Stoic Shaquille O’Neal Has Only 1 Word for Anthony Davis Joining Him and Magic Johnson on Lakers Pedestal

It’s safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers are headed by Anthony Davis from the front. This is not because LeBron James is sidelined due to injury, but the 30-year-old center has put on a show this season with promising numbers consistently. At the halftime of Suns vs Mavericks today, the ‘Inside the NBA’ made a mention of one of Davis’ impressive stat this season. Surprisingly, he is just a few games away from joining Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal. Well, that almost left the Big Diesel speechless. 

Davis has been a monster on the board this season. He has constantly secured double figures in rebounds and now he is close to being on the same pedestal as Johnson and Shaq. Host Ernie Johnson mentioned that the 2020 champion has recorded 42 double-doubles from the 52 games he has played this season. He also shared, “If he continues that pace, double-doubles in 80% of his games, he would join only you[Shaq] and Magic as Lakers to do that.” 

Usually in instances like this, Shaq doesn’t give the modern stars their flowers. However, with Davis in the conversation, he had only one word, “Impressive!” There was nothing else from the Lakers champion. That’s how good ‘The Brow’ has been this season. Apart from this, his defensive excellence is also slept on. So this sudden but due credit from the TNT crew must be good news for the Lakers center. 

Shaq has usually been rigid when it comes to praising the modern centers of the NBA. Especially AD has faced a lot of criticism for his injuries, inconsistency, etc from Shaq. However, Davis does not want to hear any of it anymore. He has not missed a single game this season. Oh also, he continued the streak today against the Warriors. 

Can Anthony Davis beat Shaquille O’Neal in the double-double stat sheet this season? 

With another monstrous game against the Warriors today, Davis now has 43 double-doubles this season alone. Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon holds the highest record, with 72 in a single season. That would be quite impossible for the 30-year-old, but he has a good shot at beating Shaq. 

The 4-time champion recorded 68 double-doubles in the 1993 season with the Orlando Magic as a rookie. Out of the 29 games remaining, Davis will have to record 26 more double-doubles to overtake the Big Diesel. 

Read more: Despite Christmas Embarrassment, Anthony Davis Chases Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant for Lakers Immortality

Do you think the 9x All-Star can beat Shaq? Share your take in the comments below.