Los Angeles Lakers: Post All-Star break player rankings
By Ethan Temkin
2.) Anthony Davis
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Anthony Davis’ inaugural season as a Laker has been a resounding success, as the Brow is averaging 26.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.5 blocks, with a 28.1 PER. He is the front-runner for the Defensive Player of the Year award, and is coming off yet another All-Star Starter selection.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Davis so far this season, is his ability to contribute to the team in a myriad of ways, depending on what each game demands. He knows when to get others involved, but he also knows when it’s time to take over and dominate.
His playmaking out of double teams has been one of the biggest things that opens things up for the rest of the team, and his defensive excellence has made the Lakers one of the best defenses in the league. In addition, over the course of the season, Davis has developed a great chemistry with LeBron James, forming perhaps the most unstoppable pick and roll duo in the entire league.
Obviously, Davis is at his most dangerous when he’s playing the center position, but it’s understandable that he doesn’t want to subject his body to the wear and tear of that position over the course of a full 82-game season. Once the postseason rolls around, expect to see a lot more of Davis at the five, and as a result, his game being taken to a completely different level.