Lakers News: Anthony Davis Unpacks How He Leads LA's Defense

The Los Angeles Lakers and their star big man, Anthony Davis, have gotten off to a rocky start through the first 13 games. There have been a ton of highs and a ton of lows thus far, and we're all waiting till they figure it out.

Sometimes, we get a glimpse of the greatness each of them processes, and sometimes, they give us some head-scratching performances. It's an odd and bizarre thing to witness thus far, but hopefully, they pull it together for the better.

Davis's defense is one area he is not struggling in. AD has lived up to his 'Always Dominant' name on the defensive side, making a case for Defensive Player of the Year. In their victory on Friday, Davis discussed his impact and the importance of the defense he brings to this team.

“Everything,” he said. “I’m the D-line. The linebacker. Safety. Cornerback. Everything. I’m everywhere. I just try to be there for the team. I tell the guys to pressure the ball and funnel them to me and I’m going to help you guys. And if I try to go block a shot, alter a shot, then you guys just crack back on whoever the big is — tonight it was [Trail Blazer Deandre] Ayton — and get him off the glass and get rebounds. I just try to be the anchor for the guys, knowing that they got protection on the backline and give them enough confidence to go out and pressure the ball…”

(Per Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times)

Davis is playing like all those positions he mentioned and more. The 30-year-old is still a force to be reckoned with, especially on the defensive end. Through 12 games, he's recorded 3.5 blocks per game, 0.8 steals per game, and holds his opponents to 36.3% shooting 15 feet and up and 34.5% shooting from three.

According to Vegas Insider, Davis has the second-best odds behind Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert in Defensive Player of the Year odds. Davis sits at +600, while Gobert isn't far ahead with +550 odds.

Overall, the Laker defense needs to be better, as they sit at 17th in defensive rating, and that starts and ends with their anchor in Davis.

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