LeBron James has always been a great teammate who brings out the best in everyone around him. For a very long time, especially in his first tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he had been the front and the center of the franchise. But in year 21, he is cherishing the presence of Anthony Davis, to share his responsibilities and the expectations of being the leader of the Laker nation.

But to be compared with the great centers of the Lakers is still a stretch for Anthony Davis, who never enjoys playing in that position. Yet Anthony Davis would have to play that role if the Lakers want to have a legitimate shot at the title.

The Co-Captains

LeBron has already given the green signal to Anthony Davis to take the mantle and run with it. He can lead the team, while LeBron could be more conservative with his energy and the minutes to be ready for the postseason. Anthony Davis was in this role during his Pelican days, but being the face of the Laker franchise is a totally different ball game. The King has complete faith in AD, and declares that “AD’s great, man. AD’s amazing… We’re both co-captains, and he’s just as much of a leader of this ballclub as I am…AD’s everything that this franchise could want and more.., He’s one of the greatest bigs to play for this franchise, for sure.” 

There was a time when the Laker nation was enthralled by great centers like Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal. They played in the most physical era of basketball when getting bumped and bruised was a norm. With the refined rules of the game, such physicality and brute approach have been nullified. Can Anthony Davis, who could easily be the top defender in the NBA, play the primary center for the Lakers this season? If not for his injury history, this would hardly be a question.

The Lakers vs The Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets welcome LeBron’s Lakers to Denver, which will also be the occasion of their ring ceremony. With the Laker Daddy remark still lingering, this will be a huge match up for both teams that would want to prove the dominance.

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Though the Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference finals, still it was a closely contested series. And the Lakers have brought in the likes of Cam Reddish, Christian Wood, and Jaxson Hayes to bring the length and more shooting for them. Despite losing some key pieces, can Denver keep their win streak intact against the Lakers? This regular season opener is a very significant game for both teams.

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