Anthony Davis Extends LeBron James's Championship Window: Unchecked

The Los Angeles Lakers appear poised to win the NBA championship but Anthony Davis paired with LeBron James means their window could go beyond this season.

LeBron James is about to get another ring and everything that means. But as he’s proven in year 17, he’s not done yet. 

"Never take LeBron's greatness for granted." 👑 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/HFdWs8CwEJ

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 1, 2020

And now his championship window has been extended, thanks to Anthony Davis, who dominated in his first NBA Finals game putting up a ridiculous stat line while making the Miami Heat look little.

In his first finals game, Anthony Davis casually dropped 34-9-5, with 3 blocks, 10-10 FTs, 66.9 TS%, only 1 TO, +31.5 NetRtg, drew 6 fouls, and contested an unreal 18(!) shots.

He’s still washing the blood of Miami’s plucky “depth” from his jersey...

— Reed (@Reed_nba) October 1, 2020

It’s about time people recognize and accept that the Los Angeles Lakers are a great team. They’ve got pieces that fit, length, experience and guys who know their roles. And they absolutely lock down on defense.

I never understood the critiques of the Lakers' depth. People act like LeBron is surrounded by Boobie Gibson and Sasha Pavlovic. The pieces fit. Guys understand their roles, play smart basketball, and hustle on D. What more could you want on a team with LeBron and Anthony Davis?

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 1, 2020

But of course, most importantly, they have two of, if not the two best players in the world. Which is why the Heat appear overmatched in this series and also why there is no reason to believe the Lakers as constructed competing for the championship is a one year thing. 

Having both of the best players in the world on your team >> pic.twitter.com/Z3szLyTsLa

— pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) October 1, 2020

When LeBron first got to LA, I’m sure most of us thought getting another title, with a third franchise, was hardly a guarantee. But now he’s about to accomplish that and here’s the thing, it won’t even be The Last Dance. 

This was the seventh time this postseason that LeBron James and Anthony Davis each scored 25 points and shot 50% from the field. Elias Sports Bureau says that’s most by a pair of teammates in a single postseason. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen has five such games in 1992. pic.twitter.com/rDS4hCDDIA

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) October 1, 2020

Because while both he and AD are essentially at their peaks, even if he ever does decline, we’ve seen that Davis is ready and able to be the man when that phase comes. Between his size, skills, and brain; it’ll be a long long time before LeBron truly falls off.

Anthony Davis: “You see the work and prep that LeBron puts in... you understand why this is his 10th NBA Finals.

I plan to follow this motherf***** to hopefully nine more Finals.” pic.twitter.com/JPkUrb5OtE

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 30, 2020

Somehow, James might be poised for yet another run, as the NBA still belongs to him...and Anthony Davis.