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Why Lakers vs Bucks is an NBA Finals preview & Anthony Davis is key

By Kevin Germany

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers gets position on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers gets position on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Jan 15, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) blocks a shot against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) blocks a shot against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Anthony Davis is key to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to victory:

That is the future. This game is now. The Lakers must make a statement against the Milwaukee Bucks. Anthony Davis must strike fear into the hearts of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of Milwaukee’s frontline. AD has a strong workload ahead of him tonight.

Anthony Davis must guard Giannis Antetokounmpo and score on him too:

Anthony Davis has to play lockdown defense, as his on-ball and transition defense will be constantly tested against Giannis. He has to be the first and last line of defense against the Greek Freek’s rampaging drives to the basket, but he also has to account for Giannis’ improving three-point shot (as evidenced by his shooting barrage against the Lakers last season).

If Giannis were one of the 300 Spartans, King Leonidas would have been ruling over Persia by the end of the movie. Anthony Davis cannot be like King Xerxes of Persia, leading from behind and not doing the dirty work necessary to quickly win the battle.

Rather, Anthony Davis must be as assertive as Leonidas. AD is one of the few players who can match up with Giannis physically, but AD is far more skilled in the mid-post area. Giannis will also likely guard AD in single coverage, which may or may not be a good idea. Milwaukee has consistently had the best defense in the NBA over the past few seasons because they do not give up anything inside the paint.

On the flipside, Milwaukee’s more conservative defense gives opposing teams more three-pointers than any other team in the NBA. AD has to take advantage and knock down three-pointers without hesitation. Also, if AD can outrun Giannis down the court, he will get plenty of open looks in transition whenever he posts up before the defense sets up.

AD’s offense will be his main defense… but what about his actual defense? Here is why the scouting report on Giannis is wrong.

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