Anthony Davis makes statement about elusive award, player who stole it from him

The Los Angeles Lakers began the 2024-25 regular season in as impressive a manner as fans could possibly ask for. Matched up against a team that reached the 2023-24 Western Conference Finals, Los Angeles effectively led from wire to wire as it defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103.

At the heart of the Lakers' success was the player whom head coach JJ Redick has labeled the hub of the offense: Anthony Davis.

Davis was magnificent, posting 36 points, 16 rebounds, three offensive boards, four assists, three blocks, and a steal. He was everywhere on both ends of the floor, playing with incessant and infectious energy across his team-high 38 minutes of play.

More importantly, he was able to get an early leg up on a rival who has deprived him of hardware up to this point in his career: Rudy Gobert.

Gobert had a strong game himself, posting 13 points, 14 rebounds, three offensive boards, two assists, and a block in 35 minutes. The difference between good and great was the theme of the night, however, as Davis outplayed him in every phase of the game.

As one play in specific showed, it wasn't just a battle of All-NBA bigs who will one day be Hall of Famers—it was a statement to the voters for Defensive Player of the Year.

Anthony Davis dominated Rudy Gobert in DPOY statement game

Davis has secured his fair share of accolades during his 13 NBA seasons. He's a five-time All-NBA honoree, including four First Team nods, as well as a five-time All-Defense selectee and a three-time league leader in blocks.

Unfortunately, Davis has never won the Defensive Player of the Year award—while Gobert has secured the honor on a record-tying four separate occasions.

Gobert's impact has been properly honored, as he's a walking top-10 defense with profound instincts. Davis, however, has long been undervalued as one of the most versatile and dominant forces in the NBA.

That was on full display against the Timberwolves, including Davis' highlight blocks of a Donte DiVincenzo jump shot and a Gobert two-hand dunk attempt.

The latter play was immediately followed by Davis flexing and screaming to the crowd—and it was easy to understand why. He took this matchup personally and made it a point to go at Gobert whenever he could, whether in the post, on the drive, or spacing the floor.

Davis also welcomed the challenge of keeping Gobert away from the rim, and battling him for the high ground on the boards.

One game won't decide an award race, nor does it change the fact that many have gone all-in on Victor Wembanyama as the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. It's always a privilege to watch one of the best in the NBA go right at a rival, however, and that's exactly what Davis did.

One of the best players in the world is out to remove any doubt about where he resides in the NBA's hierarchy of two-way players and dominant defenders. That's wonderful news for the Lakers.