Anthony Davis Inches Closer to Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Record With Brilliant Show Last Night

Last night, Anthony Davis stole the show as he pounded the Utah Jazz, to win the game for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a huge presence, both offensively and defensively.

He scored 42 points and also grabbed 12 rebounds, three steals, and a block. This was his third 40/10 game this season. Only Shaquille O’Neal has had more for the Lakers in a season.

In the 1999-2000 season, Shaq had eight 40/10 games. The level of dominance Shaq brought to the game cannot be replicated, but Davis has done a good job so far.

There are only a handful of players in the league who can match up to him, and even fewer who can stop him.

ALSO READ- “Doing Stuff I’ve Never Seen Before”: Shaquille O’Neal Raves About Denver Nuggets Rookie Bol Bol

Anthony Davis: Taking the next step in his career

After Pau Gasol left in 2014, the Lakers have lacked a quality big man. Since arriving after that huge trade in 2019 off-season, Davis has filled this void perfectly.

At New Orleans, he was never going to contend. So he wasn’t too pressurized. But with the Lakers, the whole situation changes. With the talent they have at their disposal, a title is all but expected of them.

ALSO READ- Lakers Legend Pau Gasol Continues to Honor His Dear Friend Kobe Bryant on Instagram

So with a resume of seven All-Star appearances, three All-NBA Team nods, and three All-NBA Defensive Team nods, Davis came in with huge expectations riding on his shoulders. And so far he has not disappointed.

LeBron James is still the best player in the world at the moment, but his age is catching up to him. So bringing in Davis, who may not even have hit his prime yet, was a great move.

It has allowed LeBron to take a step back at times and ease up a little. This is exactly what happened last night. With Davis firing, LeBron could slow down and let the former Kentucky man grab the headlines.

He may be emulating Shaq and Pau as far as stats are concerned, but Davis will now be keen on emulating their title success as well. His performance in the playoffs will be crucial to the Lakers in their quest for a championship.

After securing the first seed, the Lakers can afford to relax in the upcoming games. They will be facing Oklahoma City Thunder tomorrow and coach Frank Vogel may experiment some new tactics before the playoffs commence.

ALSO READ- Anthony Davis Earns a Place Alongside NBA Legend Kobe Bryant in Lakers History Books With a Win Over Utah Jazz

SOURCES:

StatMuse on Twitter

Basketball-Reference.com

Lakers schedule