Paul Pierce Believes Anthony Davis Needs to Emulate Giannis Antetokounmpo for Lakers to Be Champions

The preseason and the regular season combined, the Lakers are 0-7 in 2021-22 and that’s a bad signal. When Rob Pelinka’s front office clubbed a team of veteran All-Stars, many believed this to be a 73-9 team. But that claim now seems too optimistic even with players like Anthony Davis showing some character on the court.

In the game against the Warriors, AD looked at his best self and tried as much as he could to run the offense. However, if the Lakers are to get back on track, he will have to put this in repeat-mode. At least a former NBA champion believes the same.

The Lakers can’t win without Anthony Davis performing better than the Freak 

In a recent interview with Matt Barnes, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce took a clear stand on Anthony Davis and the Lakers. The 2008 Champion dragged Giannis Antetokounmpo into the conversation and drew a comparison. He expressed, “If AD is not an MVP candidate, I don’t see this team winning. He gotta be looking at Greek Freak in the eye, like okay, I’m right here with you because he has that type of skill.”

Well, as far as the respective opening games for the Lakers and the Bucks go, both the names played just as good. While AD scored a 33-point double-double, Giannis had a game-winning 32-point double to his name. But still, for AD to beat or even emulate a 2x MVP, he has a long way to go and keeping himself healthy will be a crucial factor too.

Read more: ‘Needs to Be Himself’: LeBron James Lays Out Advice to Russell Westbrook After a Disastrous Lakers Debut

How important is AD for the Lake Show?

The Brow’s incredible length and fluid athleticism marks his game. When on the court, he compliments LeBron James like no one else does. Those lob passes and the conversion of incredible alley-oops between the star duo are just unmatchable. With time, AD can strike a similar chemistry with Russell Westbrook and they can go a long way.

However, as Reggie Miller had already expressed, AD’s fitness will remain a huge doubt for Lakers Nation. Plus, his numbers, playing with two other big scorers, might not look as big as the Freak’s and so he will have to deliver on both ends to create an MVP mark. 

Also, AD will have to make the rotation players better in order for the Lakers to rule the conference. That’s a lot to ask, but The Brow certainly has the caliber. So do you also see the upcoming season as a game-changer for AD? Help us know in the comments section below.

Watch this story: A List of Best LeBron James Teammates Over the Years