USA Today via Reuters
Nov 20, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Keldon Johnson (3) play for the ball during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 20, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Keldon Johnson (3) play for the ball during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers won against the San Antonio Spurs with a 105-94 score. The Lakers also saw their leader, LeBron James, come back after being sidelined through injury. Center Anthony Davis put up some great numbers too. But at the end of the game, Davis wished for something else to happen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Spurs had produced a video tribute for their former player, Lonnie Walker IV. But it didn’t soften Walker as much as it possibly did for his current teammate, Anthony Davis. Davis was visibly touched by the gesture. He even said during the post-game media interaction that he would have loved to get similar tributes.
And NBA Twitter got its bone to chew on. They believed that it was a “weird” request from Anthony Davis. One fan equated the admission, saying it was, “like asking an ex to praise you”.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
That’s so weird, like asking an ex to praise you.
— Bronny James Dio (@dvctd) November 26, 2022
The reason he didn’t get one is because when he left, he never thanked the fans, the city or the Pelicans. He also wore a “That’s All Folks” t-shirt at his last game. So no, he doesn’t deserve one.
— Tony Maiorana (@TonyMaiorana) November 26, 2022
He didn't get one because he quit on his team c'mon man this has to be a joke
— Stewie (@Stewie309) November 26, 2022
He could've departed the city respectfully just like Jrue did. He chose not to go that way and that's on him. He'll never be loved or respected here regardless of his on court talent. Deal with it.
— Keynan Varnado (@VarnadoKeynan) November 26, 2022
Yeah there going to honor a guy that didn’t want to be there sure
— look_out_in_the_hills (@look_hills) November 26, 2022
Keep wishing.
— XK will be re-evaluated at some point, maybe (@xk_tweets) November 26, 2022
Before Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. Was he hinting that his former team should do a tribute video for him? Did he wish that just as the San Antonio Spurs paid tribute to Walker, he could get a similar homage? Fans continue to try and guess the answers.
The Lakers’ rising star
Lonnie Walker IV has a mantra that he lives by: “Dominate the day”. It is this affirmation that Walker says has helped him chase his professional goals. He added that the long-term goal is to be the Most Improved Player and the short-term goal is to be the conference player of the week.
Walker credits his transformation to his meditation practice which has enabled him to have a sound mental state. Coupled with great athleticism, he has been a consistent player. He has been putting down double-digit scores for the Lakers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 25, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonnie Walker IV (4) shoots in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Even Darvin Ham, the head coach of the Lakers, observed that Walker exuded confidence. He said, “The kid is phenomenal. I just have a huge amount of trust and belief in him”.
Watch This Story: From Lakers’ Staples Center to Knicks Madison Square Garden: Ranking the NBA’s Most Expensive Stadiums
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Walker has been putting naysayers?to rest through his performances.
What did you make of Anthony Davis’ comments? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
