LeBron James, often hailed as one of the greatest passers in the history of the game, is taking credit for Anthony Davis' enhanced playmaking abilities, particularly in the last three games for the Los Angeles Lakers.
James attributes Davis' notable improvement in assists to their shared experiences on the court, emphasizing that Davis has been learning the art of passing out of the post directly from him.
In a recent statement, James commented on Davis' progress, stating, "He's learning from me how to pass out of the post. I'm serious. He's been working on it, and it's great. Teams are gonna stop doubling him soon."
"As long as we make shots for him, then teams will stop doubling him. It's our job to make sure we're in the right position at the right time when he gets doubled. We have the numbers game; it's gonna be a 4 on 3 on the backside, so we have to put ourselves in position," James said.
LeBron James speaks on the big minutes off the bench from his teammates, D'Angelo Russell's ability to score in bunches, and Vando's return back to himself all while watching Bronny play for USC. pic.twitter.com/n4qTVr4kqQ
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 18, 2024
Davis has indeed displayed a significant uptick in playmaking, contributing 25 assists over the last three games. This development aligns with his solid season averages of 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and a notable 3.7 assists per game. In the recent victory against the Mavericks, Davis nearly secured a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, showcasing his multifaceted contributions.
As James and Davis mark their fifth season together, the influence of LeBron's passing prowess on Davis is evident. The Lakers, despite the recent win against the Mavericks, find themselves in the 10th position in the competitive Western Conference, striving to climb the rankings and regain their .500 status. The collaboration between James and Davis remains a pivotal factor in the Lakers' pursuit of success this season.
Anthony Davis remains the key to Lakers' success
In the Lakers' challenging 2023-2024 campaign, Anthony Davis has emerged as the linchpin for their success, living up to the expectations set by LeBron James and the team. Despite a somewhat average team record, Davis has showcased an MVP-worthy performance and positioned himself as a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Davis' commitment to his craft is evident in his remarkable durability, having played in 40 out of the 42 games this season. The Lakers' minutes leader with an average of 36.1 per game, Davis has become an unstoppable force on the court, often drawing double-teams in the post due to his sheer dominance.
What sets Davis apart this season is not just his statistical prowess but his intelligent and adaptable style of play. Recognizing the defensive attention he attracts, Davis has altered his shot selection, focusing less on three-point attempts (1.1 per game) and opting for higher-percentage drives to the rim and well-calculated mid-range shots.
His off-season dedication and conditioning have paid dividends, reflected in his on-court performance. While the MVP case may be hindered by the Lakers' overall record, Davis continues to play at an extraordinary level, cementing his status as the driving force behind the Lakers' aspirations for success this season.
As the Lakers navigate the challenges ahead, Anthony Davis remains the focal point around which their championship aspirations revolve.