The Los Angeles Lakers spent a lot to acquire Anthony Davis, but it will be worth it as AD could take home the MVP award for the 2019-20 season.
There is a reason the Los Angeles Lakers had to give up so much talent to get Anthony Davis. Davis, when healthy, is the best big man in the league. The Lakers had to give up Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks to get him.
Davis is a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a three-time All-NBA Defensive selection. The only thing that’s missing for him is a ring.
This season, Davis and LeBron James will look to put the Lakers on their backs to bring back a title. The Lakers haven’t won a title since a Kobe Bryant led Lakers beat the Celtics in 2010, to win their second straight. In fact, the Lakers haven’t made the playoffs since 2013.
With Davis, James, and Kyle Kuzma, the Lakers should have no issues making the playoffs this time around. But that won’t be enough. In LA it’s championship or bust. This is why it will be key to fill out the roster with the right guys.
Last season, the Lakers struck out in free agency after landing James. They signed veterans who didn’t fit in well with James. JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Lance Stephenson aren’t trusted shooters.
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In waiting for Kawhi Leonard, who signed to the Los Angeles Clippers, they lost out on some big names. The Lakers did add some shooting, by bringing in Troy Daniels, Quinn Cook, Danny Green, and Jared Dudley. They also added DeMarcus Cousins, who played with Davis and Rondo in New Orleans in 2017-18.
Assuming the Lakers get a top-five seed in a loaded Western Conference, Davis will be in the discussion for the MVP Award. Last season, he averaged 25.9 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 33 minutes. These are certainly MVP numbers if he is on a winning team.
This season, Davis’ job will be as easy as it’s ever been playing with one of the best players to ever lace them up. You can expect a similar spike in his efficiency to his 2017-18 season with Rajon Rondo. That year, Davis averaged 28.1 points and 11.1 rebounds on 53 percent shooting.
Davis thrived with Rondo in the pick and roll. A thing to keep in mind is that Rondo can return to the Lakers. This would give the Lakers two great passers to use in pick and roll situations with a dominant AD.
In the playoffs that year Anthony Davis was even more special. He averaged 30.1 points and 13.4 rebounds on an efficient 52 percent.
Davis’ ability to spread out the floor will mesh well with James. He has one of the best mid-range jumpers in the league, and can also shoot it from the outside (33 percent).
His impact will be felt as much on the defensive end. Davis changes shots as much as anybody in basketball. He has led the league in blocks on three separate occasions. The Lakers are in dire need of his presence as they were 21st in defense (113.5 ppg).
This season, I expect Anthony Davis to average 27 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and 2.5 blocks. Even if James puts up 27 points to go along with nearly triple-double numbers, Davis can win the award.
His impact on both ends would be the ultimate factor similar to Giannis this season in the MVP race. Don’t be surprised if Davis wins the MVP Award.