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3 stars the Lakers should target to build around Anthony Davis

By Caleb Crowley

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans' shot is blocked by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans' shot is blocked by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Mikal Bridges is an ideal star next to Anthony Davis

With a similar growth arc to Ingram, Mikal Bridges broke out as a star forward last season after being sent to Brooklyn in the Kevin Durant deal.

Before the 2023 trade deadline, Bridges was averaging 36.4 minutes per game and scoring 17.2 points. In the 27 games after the deadline, his scoring shot up to 26.1 points per game in 34.2 minutes. Bridges plays hard on both ends of the court, and his talent is only now beginning to show how high it really can reach.

While Bridges is still proving himself as an NBA star, a trio of Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and Mikal Bridges gives Los Angeles a dangerous scoring threat at every position on the floor. Each player can create their own shot or fulfill their role off the ball.

In this scenario, Anthony Davis is the undeniable leader of the squad. He would serve as the on-court captain, orchestrating the offensive game plan as the point-of-attack leader. Ever since LeBron joined the Lakers, the plan has been to let Davis take the reigns. With a max extension, his role as leader would be an absolute.

Mikal Bridges, though he may not be an All-NBA talent right now, complements AD both offensively and defensively. On offense, Bridges can score from anywhere on the floor. He always shows the confidence to take matters into his own hands, but he knows how to trust his teammates.

Defensively, Bridges can defend either forward position and some guards. He has the energy to keep up with his assignment every play. Giving Davis a trustworthy teammate on defense gives the Lakers a chance against anybody.

Finally, Anthony Davis may finally find another star big man.

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