‘Made Me Feel So Connected to Him’: Lakers’ Anthony Davis Shows His Passion, Love & Respect for Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th championship last season, making them one of the most successful teams in NBA history. LeBron James and their new addition, Anthony Davis led the Purple and Gold to triumph.

Last year was a roller coaster for the franchise. They first lost one of their legends in Kobe Bryant and then won the championship. The loss of Kobe certainly affected fan and players alike, especially in the Lakers organisation.

The Lakers in last season’s playoffs paid a beautiful tribute to the ‘Black Mamba’ with a special edition Mamba jerseys in their run to the championship.

Davis was one of the players who shared a special bond with Kobe. The Brow opened up about how winning the trophy made him feel more connected to Black Mamba. He said, “The Mamba jerseys made me feel so connected to him the game winner against Denver, you know, I yell Kobe and it wasn’t even intentional. It just happened.”

He also opened how this championship has connected him and Kobe. “It’s definitely the jersey, and then now forever, no matter what happens, you know, 100, 200, 300, 400 years from now, my name and Kobe’s name will be connected. As far as championships, I have a long way to go to catch him. But I’m four behind now. And my name will always be tied to like the organization’s path winning a championship, and so will his.”

AD and the Lakers will hope that they can retain the championship this season, but might face a stern task with teams like Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

Can Anthony Davis channel his Mamba mentality to win the MVP trophy this season?

Before the regular season started, Davis was one of the favorites for the MVP trophy. But 20 games into the regular season, Davis’ name has fizzled out of the MVP conversation.

AD is having a decent season averaging 21.9 points, 3.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game. On paper these stats are good but it is certainly a big dip from last season where he averaged 26.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 9.3 rebounds per game.

Davis certainly realizes his dip in form and has been pretty vocal of having a poor showing lately. Given that the Lakers had one of the shortest off-seasons in NBA history, we might be seeing a fatigued AD.

The Western Conference has seen some teams like the Jazz and Nuggets step up in the regular season. With teams emerging as potential challengers, the Lakers will hope that their 28-year-old star can be difference maker once again.

LeBron James, who is 36 and still performing, needs Davis can make a comeback from this slump. If AD does so, then we might be seeing his name re-emerge in MVP conversations very soon.