The Los Angeles Lakers have had some truly incredible players throughout the years, from Magic Johnson to the late Kobe Bryant. With Anthony Davis now locked in for another five years, there’s a real chance for him to cement himself as one of the greats and lead the Lakers to even more championships.
Of course, there are some things that need to be done in order to make this happen. Here’s a breakdown of what Davis can do to become the cornerstone of the Lakers’ future success.
Charting a path to success: What Anthony Davis needs to be a true Lakers cornerstone
Investment in health and conditioning
It’s no secret that injuries have plagued Anthony Davis throughout his career. If he wants to be the cornerstone of the Lakers, he must prioritize his health and conditioning.
By focusing on injury prevention through proper training, rest, and recovery, not only will he be able to stay on the court consistently, but he will also be able to enhance his overall performance. Instead of bulking up muscle, Davis needs to do the “Tim Duncan-skinnier” approach and become lighter if he wants to be durable as he gets older.
Expand his post-up game
While Anthony Davis is known for his defensive prowess and mid-range ability, he can further elevate his game by expanding his post-up repertoire. This would mean playing center for an entire season. There needs to be limited mid-range and more post-ups for him to become an elite shot blocker and rim presence. Thus, this strategy can offset opposing teams and force them to switch their lineups to combat Davis’ intimidating paint presence.
Improve his leadership, embrace previous mentorship
To truly become the cornerstone of the Lakers, Anthony Davis should take on a leadership role. Building strong relationships with his teammates through clear communication and camaraderie is crucial. By setting an example with a strong work ethic, dedication, and professionalism, Davis can inspire the team and become a role model for younger players. In addition to improving his offensive skills, these qualities can truly make him an unstoppable force on the court.
Davis has a wonderful opportunity to benefit from the experiences of LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history, who he shared the court with. Building on this mentorship can offer insightful tips for sustaining peak performance, handling stressful situations, and overcoming leadership challenges.
Be more consistent
As a Lakers player, the ultimate goal is to win championships. It’s important for Davis to always remember this and maintain a championship mindset. This means focusing on the bigger picture and doing whatever it takes to bring titles back to Los Angeles. It requires a lot of hard work, mental toughness, and a never-give-up attitude. But if Davis can consistently demonstrate these qualities, he’ll be well on his way to helping the Lakers achieve greatness.
Anthony Davis has a fantastic opportunity to become a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Lakers. If he commits to personal growth, skill development, leadership, and consistency, he can build a legacy for himself with the franchise.
In addition, embracing mentorship, investing in his health, and fostering a championship mindset are all important steps he can take to achieve this. With the right adjustments, the future looks very bright for Anthony Davis and the Lakers.
Together, they can achieve greatness.