USA Today via Reuters
Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after a dunk over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (not pictured) in the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after a dunk over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (not pictured) in the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There have been a lot of discussions around Anthony Davis lately. The 30-year-old has been receiving advice from pundits, veterans, and fans alike. While the opinions vary on things such as his role, where he should play, or if he’s the face of the franchise, Davis also bears the brunt of every loss.
Recently, Magic Johnson, an LA Lakers icon said his piece on AD. Although he didn’t word his opinion as harshly, he laid out the plans for a better future for Davis.
Magic Johnson’s advice for Anthony Davis
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The Lakers have had a very average start to their new season. Right from their preseason matchups, the LA franchise is on the back foot. Of the six games they played in the preseason, they could only manage to win two of them. Going into the regular season, the Lakers were under immense pressure. In their first game against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, their efforts fell short as they conceded their first loss of the season. Although the Lakers bounced back in game 2 against the Phoenix Suns, the criticism against Davis has remained the same.
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Magic Johnson speaks onstage during The Genius of Magic Johnson Sponsored by Denny?s at The Genius Talks Sponsored By Credit Karma during the BET Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BET)
Recently, the Lakers legend extended his advice for Davis if he wishes to move up the ranks. Magic said that the Lakers are no longer the LeBron James team so it is time for Davis to step up. Drawing parallels with his own career when he was asked to step up because Kareem Abdul Jabbar couldn’t be the face of the franchise anymore, Johnson said that it was time for Davis to do the same. He said, “You say you want to have an MVP-type season. You gotta produce against the best.”
As per Magic, the team cannot rely on LeBron anymore and it makes perfect sense. King James is in his 21st season in the league so expecting the world from him will be unfair.
?You are now the man. It?s not LeBron anymore?
Earvin Magic Johnson shares his thoughts on Anthony Davis and the Lakers leadership dynamic after the opening night loss with @TermineRadio & @JumpShot8 #LakeShow
Hear the full interview: https://t.co/Kdg2sgkjNb pic.twitter.com/wMshItgM1O
? SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 26, 2023
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LeBron too had said that this is now AD’s team, and he’s the face of it.
Stephen A Smith on Anthony Davis
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About a week ago, Stephen A had said that it is time for AD to be the superstar of the team. He said it, especially in the context of beating the Kevin Durant-led Suns. Davis surely stepped up his game against the Suns as the Lakers secured their first win of the season. In the game that ended 100-95, Davis scored 30 points and 12 rebounds. While he was the highest scorer of the team, LeBron’s contributions were once again at their rescue. King James dropped 21 points with eight rebounds and nine assists.
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