Anthony Davis Is a Co-Star, Not a Sidekick: Unchecked

Anthony Davis is a co-star, not a sidekick, and that’s probably why the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win the NBA championship.

Anthony Davis is a co-star, not a sidekick, and that’s probably why the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win the NBA championship.

I knew AD was great when we traded for him, but I had no idea he had it like this. My goodness.

— Laker Film Room (@LakerFilmRoom) September 25, 2020

If you know me, this is in no way a shot at LeBron James, who despite not being at his best in this series has still impacted outcomes as much as anyone, as he always does, evidenced by his unbelievable defense against Jamal Murray down the stretch of game four.

But James has had the luxury of not needing to be a world beater as a scorer, something he couldn’t afford on many of his previous runs to the NBA Finals, because he’s playing alongside a monster.

this man Anthony Davis is basketball godzilla.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) September 25, 2020

And he knows it, as James has been willing to defer to AD in a way I’ve really only seen him do in stretches while playing with Kyrie Irving and at the beginning of his time in Miami with Dwyane Wade. Davis has responded by displaying his disgusting skillset, from pull up jumpers, to running floaters and has gone beyond one buzzer beater and gotten late buckets like a true closer.

Anthony Davis' 4th quarter true shooting percentage in the conference finals is 95.2%

— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) September 25, 2020

Then there’s the versatility he brings to the table as well, which along with LeBron’s interchangeable defense allows the Lakeshow to adapt to any style of opponent, whether that be the small-ball Houston Rockets or bigger Denver Nuggets. 

* @AntDavis23 on the Lakers: “We’re able to adjust to any style of play.”

That’s been a major key all year. They’re good when they’re big, good when they’re ‘small,’ good regardless.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 17, 2020

AD’s importance was also felt by the reaction I’m sure many had when he went down grabbing his ankle, but like his superstar teammate has done so many times before he laced them up tighter and got back out there.

Love how AD shook off that ankle injury.

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) September 25, 2020

It’s been a while since LA has been in a position to add to the franchise’s extensive hardware collection, but they are now just a handful of wins away from doing just that.

Accoring to @EliasSports the Lakers are 18-1 this season when Anthony Davis and LeBron James combine for 60 points, including the playoffs.

That is the 2nd-best record by a duo in NBA history (min. 15 games). Only duo better? Kobe and Shaq in 2000 (.952 win pct). pic.twitter.com/A0mZzGgVYa

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 25, 2020

In large part because Davis has answered the bell this postseason to give the Lakers another legendary duo.