Lakers News: Bill Simmons Makes Controversial LA Pick To Start All-Star Game
NBA All-Star Weekend is exactly a month away, and your Los Angeles Lakers are in prime position to have both LeBron James, and Anthony Davis be selected for the first time since 2021.
Injuries have derailed each of the past two regular seasons for both of them, but given LeBron's global recognition, he's managed to be elected an All-Star starter in spite of missing significant time.
Davis, on the other hand, has missed the All-Star Game entirely in each of the past two seasons, but he currently sits at fourth in Western Conference frontcourt fan voting, while clearly being an All-NBA talent at the moment. For the time being, Davis trails Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.
This would mean Davis doesn't start and James does, but The Ringer's Bill Simmons makes a good case for AD to draw the start over LeBron in a recent episode.
It's true that Davis has simply been better, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and while James has continued to produce at a high level, the two-way impact, efficiency, and consistency that Davis has brought to the table this season has seemingly elevated his game to another level.
It's hard to have numbers tell the full story, but averaging 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, Davis ranks third in Defensive Player of the Year odds while being a consistent contributor on offense – at least when they're scheming him the ball.
LeBron has also been great, putting up 25 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while shooting incredibly well from the field (52% FG, 39% 3PT). The argument for Davis is driven by defense, and in general, I agree with Simmons' take.
That said, LeBron is a cultural icon, and the ASG is more or less a popularity contest. Expect James to draw the start alongside KD and Jokic, while AD comes off the bench. One way or another, however, they'll both be in Indiana come February 18th for the first time since 3 years ago.
