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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Anthony Davis is more important than LeBron

By Jason Reed

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers greet each other during a time outin the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers greet each other during a time outin the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Anthony Davis’ defense is imperative to the Los Angeles Lakers

Whether or not LeBron James has a great night defensively is not going to make or break an entire playoff series. LeBron certainly is more capable on the defensive end than people give him credit for, but he is not the defensive anchor of this team.

We have seen really good flashes out of LeBron on the defensive end this season, particularly in helping limit Giannis Antetokounmpo in the second matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, with the pieces around him, at this point in his career, LeBron is best used as an uber-athletic help defender.

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Davis, meanwhile, is the Los Angeles Lakers’ best defensive player. Not only is he the team’s best defensive player, but what he offers on the defensive end is exactly what the team needs to slow down certain playoff foes.

The Clippers do present an interesting challenge as they have two elite wings and Davis cannot drift too far to the outside but his interior presence is going to be huge in limiting second-chance points and open lanes for Leonard and George to drive into.

It is even more important against the Bucks as the successful way to beat the team in the playoffs has been to clog the lane (which will also lead Frank Vogel to utilize Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee) and slow Giannis down in transition.

If there is any defensive player in the league that can stand toe-to-toe with Giannis and make his life even harder around the rim, it is Anthony Davis.

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