Is Anthony Davis the Greatest Teammate Lebron James Has Ever Had?

LeBron James is one of the greatest players in the NBA. At the age of 38, James is dominating the sport of basketball and creating a global impact with his skill set. Even after achieving everything the sport has to offer, breaking records, the L-Train continues to be a strong force in the NBA. And due to having a career that spans over 2 decades, he has had the opportunity to play with a lot of great players. From his earlier days with the Cleveland Cavaliers to the “Heatles” period in Miami and his most recent stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, King James has formed amazing connections with famous colleagues. And, each of them has left an indelible impact on his illustrious career.

However, as the 4x NBA champion managed to form a successful pair with every teammate he played with, who is the best teammate he has had over the span of 21 seasons?

The players who made a lethal combination with LeBron James

The Akron Hammer started his journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was the cornerstone of the team and carried it on his shoulders. In that team, he had Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who was a dependable big player and was instrumental in assisting the young James. They both made a great pair and averaged 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Despite James having a star-studded team built around him, Ilgauskas’ contributions demonstrated the beginnings of his influence on teammates. After seven years with Cleveland, James was traded to the Miami Heat.

His move to the Magic City was a turning point in his career as he formed the “Big Three” with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Wade, who was a Finals MVP and NBA champion even before LeBron joined the Heat, offered not only his talents and skills but also his championship-winning mentality. The partnership between James, Wade, and Bosh was known as the “Heatles.” They were one of the most formidable groups in the NBA and averaged 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. But then, due to an injury, Bosh’s career was cut short. However, Wade and James went on to make it to 4 consecutive NBA finals. Out of them, they were able to win 2 and throughout their partnership averaged 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

But with the Championship quest in his mind, the 19x All-Star’s journey landed him back where he started, the Cleveland Cavs. This time around, there was some star power in the team to aid James. J.R. Smith played a vital role in LeBron’s vow to deliver a championship to Cleveland. During their time together, they averaged 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists. Not only Smith, but James also had the support of Kyrie Irving. Their partnership was lethal and their styles complemented each other’s. Due to that, they managed to earn the first NBA Championship in 2016 for the Cavaliers and averaged 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. However, there is one teammate of James’ who has been with him for the longest time and has a great understanding with him, Anthony Davis.

The formidable force of the Brow and the L-Train

In 2018, LeBron James joined the City of Angels where he was the centerpiece, and a team was being made around him. So, in 2019, AD was acquired by the Lakers, and he and James made a formidable pair. They even managed to propel the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA title in the unprecedented “bubble” season. As the Lakers approached the championship, Anthony Davis became a statistical and iconic force. Davis’ postseason numbers of 28.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks put him in exceptional company with LeBron, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Durant, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, and Hakeem Olajuwon.

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Only LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal had a higher Player Efficiency Rating (PER) than Davis throughout the playoffs, demonstrating his versatility on both sides of the floor. His game-winning buzzer-beater against the Nuggets and clutch three-pointer versus the Heat in the Finals highlighted his legendary run. However, his effect and partnership with the 4x NBA go beyond numbers. Due to his defensive prowess against Jimmy Butler in the NBA finals, he was able to win the Defensive Player of the Year.

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As the Lakers strive for a championship, the King and AD partnership are writing their own chapter in NBA history. Beyond statistics and awards, their collaboration represents an understanding based on a mutual drive to win. Davis admitted his disputes with LeBron, adding that they originate from a good place, a tribute to their special friendship. While Wade and Irving were essential for the championship journeys, Anthony Davis’s steady, powerful, and enthusiastic play makes him a genuine contender for being the best teammate for LeBron James. Wade’s three rings and Irving’s incredible 2016 run are obviously important, but Davis’ effect on every aspect of the game stands out.

Who do you think is LeBron James’ best teammate? Let us know in the comments.