Lakers star Anthony Davis only needed five words to dissect criticism

Anthony Davis has spent his NBA career playing at a level that few have ever reached. He's one of the most prolific scorers of his generation, as well as an elite defender who can impact the game without even touching the ball.

As Davis prepares for the 2024-25 season, however, he's seemingly given up on caring about the recognition that seems to be eluding him.

Davis has earned his fair share of accolades over the course of his 12 NBA seasons. The Defensive Player of the Year award continues to be out of reach, however, which has inevitably spawned a response from one of the best defenders in the game.

During the Lakers' 2024 Media Day press conferences, Davis kept it simple when discussing the areas in which he's become underrated on defense.

Simple but effective, Davis took a clear shot at the voters who have decided against accolades being awarded to him.

What part of AD's game is underrated? "All of it. Every part."

Davis has pieced together a résumé that places him among the greatest players of the 21st century. He's an NBA champion, NCAA champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, as well as a five-time All-NBA and five-time All-Defense honoree.

With an additional nine All-Star Game appearances, the inaugural NBA Cup, and the 2012 National College Player of the Year award on his résumé, Davis is a surefire Hall of Famer.

One of the most puzzling absences from his list of accolades, however, is the Defensive Player of the Year award. He's finished in the top five in voting for the award in four different seasons, including a 2019-20 campaign during which he was the runner-up, but has thus far been unable to win it.

This past season, Davis was named to the All-Defensive First Team and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

It does nothing to take away from his greatness as a defender, but his frustration is understandable. He's one of the most versatile players in the NBA from a defensive perspective, with a unique ability to anchor the interior and stifle players along the perimeter in essentially one fell swoop.

Davis is also one of the best rebounders in the NBA, as evidenced by his rankings of No. 3 in both rebounds per game and defensive rebounds per contest in 2023-24.

The unfortunate reality facing Davis in 2023-24 is that many voters opted to prioritize team success on the defensive end of the floor when voting for individual awards. As such, it was yet another season in which Rudy Gobert was named Defensive Player of the Year over Davis.

In 2024-25, head coach JJ Redick will be hoping to help Davis garner the respect he deserves—but the future Hall of Famer doesn't seem too concerned with outside opinions after past snubs.