Under JJ Redick, Anthony Davis has been a different beast this season. With the rookie coach unleashing the best version of AD in recent years, the Lakers star is in line for the MVP conversation. Sharing the spotlight with LeBron James is a task that is too great at times, but Davis has done it with grace. He probably had the building blocks in place for the inevitable dual-act. And it’s safe to assume the process started back with the Pelicans.

Every Championship-winning team has its own set of glue guys. While the NOP never got it, they had the winners of past and present when Davis was around. Rajon Rondo played the part of being the glue guy in that team. While talking about his time with his New Orleans pals, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, on “The Draymond Green Show With Baron Davis,” Rondo revealed how he helped them secure victory from the bench. Since they all wanted the ball, Rondo was temporarily benched, but he still played a vital role from there. “I took a backseat role. Like, let me try to coach this,” he said.

A key issue arose when Cousins and AD focused on putting up big numbers. “At first, they both trying to score 50,” Rondo disclosed. So, he was responsible for guiding Cousins, suggesting that he adjust. “I’m like, Cuz, manipulate the game by scoring 25, let AD get to 50. You go for 20, 20 and 20,” he recalled telling Boogie. “Like, go crazy to a different way. Both of y’all getting 50 won’t allow us to win games, because now y’all fight. Now if you become the facilitator, now he’s running the delay.”

Revealing more of his game plan, the 2-time champion explained that he encouraged Cousins to focus on his playmaking by “running plays through elbow action,” where he excelled. Meanwhile, he asked AD to slow down the game. The strategy helped the Pelicans with a good record, 48-34, and prevented what could have turned into a locker-room fight. AD (28.1 PPG) and Cousins (25.2 PPG) had marvelous averages that season and were equally good playmakers, something that Davis still boasts.

Anthony Davis opens up about his playmaking skills

When JJ Redick took over as head coach of the Lakers, he made it clear that he wanted the 6-foot-10 center to be more involved in the game and contribute to playmaking. Anthony Davis, who excels in scoring and facilitating, quickly highlighted that he was accustomed to this role.

During the franchise’s media day, Davis shared, “I’ve always been comfortable in that role,” adding, “Every team I’ve played on, going back to New Orleans, I’ve always caught the ball in the middle of the floor, just kind of directing the offense and things like that, so that’ll be nothing new.” He said, “I’m very comfortable having the ball and making plays from anywhere on the floor.”

Davis has been living up to that expectation, leading the team with an average of 31.3 points and 11.2 rebounds. While Redick’s task is straightforward to Davis, he hasn’t had a standout passing record yet. Still, LeBron James has taken on that responsibility pretty well, so nothing would lead to a fighting situation in the Lakers’ locker room.