The case against Anthony Davis
There is only one real knock against Anthony Davis as the best player in the world, but it’s a big knock.
Is Anthony Davis even the best player on his own team?
LeBron James has been every bit as good as his co-star, AD, throughout the playoffs. LBJ is one assist per game away from averaging a triple-double during the postseason, and most of the arguments you can make for AD’s case as the best basketball player in the world you could also make for LeBron.
James has been a matchup nightmare for opposing teams in his own right. He bullies smaller players under the rim for easy layup attempts and blows by bulker players from the perimeter. And if you try to send help, he’ll find the open man every time.
If you were to flip Giannis for LeBron and pair the “Greek Freak” with “The Brow,” the Los Angeles Lakers offense would stagnate. Giannis uses his incredible strength and athleticism to score, but he can’t come close to running the Lakers offense the way LeBron does. Without LeBron, AD and Giannis would take turns going one-on-one when the Purple and Gold had possession of the ball.
AD came in second place this season for Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s been dominant on the less glamorous side of the ball. He’s one of the few players in the league who can guard every position on the court, and he’s one of the best (if not the best) rim protector in the NBA.
LeBron can also guard every position on the court, and he’s one of the best (if not the best) perimeter defender in the association when he needs to be.
LeBron James has a massive edge on Anthony Davis in passing. LBJ is the best setup man in the NBA, which makes him the preeminent pick-your-poison player. If you guard him one-on-one, he’ll power his way to the rim for an easy look, and if you double team him, he’ll make a perfect pass to an open teammate.
Anthony Davis has the advantage over LeBron in outside shooting. LeBron James is shooting 35 percent from deep and only 25 percent from 16 feet to the 3-point line throughout the postseason. LeBron’s outside touch has looked mostly clunky, while Davis’s stroke has looked clean.