Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay Packers inspired Anthony Davis against Brooklyn Nets: "(He) threw a slant to Allen Lazard for 40 yards, and started (screaming) and flexing, and it got me motivated"
Anthony Davis has made it clear that he is a big fan of the Green Bay Packers after inspiring the LA Lakers to their third win of the season.
Following his big performance against the Brooklyn Nets, the LA Lakers star said that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' performance motivated him before the game.
After the game, Davis said:
"I was watching the Green Bay Packers game, and Aaron Rodgers threw a slant to Allen Lazard for 40 yards, and he started (screaming) and flexing, and it got me some motivation before the game. ... Knowing that we had to get this win. Knowing that a lot of guys, especially with (LeBron James) out - lean on me to try to get the job done."
Davis explained his mentality:
"I was trying to get to the paint and score inside, knowing that they had limited shot-blocking. When you set the screen, our guards attack downhill, attack Claxton or Morris and just put it on the rim. They miss, then I have a guard on me, so I have a chance for an opportunity for an offensive rebound and get a score there. So, just trying to be dominant in the paint."
Watch highlights of Anthony Davis' big night below:
Anthony Davis finished with 37 points and 18 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive rebounds.
The LA Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets to improve to 3-10 on the season. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 31-28 to improve to 4-6.
Can Anthony Davis lead LA Lakers to postseason?
Despite the win over the Brooklyn Nets, the LA Lakers have been one of the worst teams in the NBA thus far.
The Lakers are 3-10 following a slow start from LeBron James. The Lakers star has battled injuries and is averaging 24.9 points per game, but he's shooting just 45.7% from the field, 23.9% from the 3-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line.
His points per game and field goal percentage are the lowest since his rookie season, while his 3-point percentage is the lowest of his career. While James deserves the benefit of the doubt that he will turn things around when fully healthy, the Lakers need Anthony Davis to continue his strong play.
Through 12 games, Davis is averaging 24.3 points per game while shooting a career-high 54.2%. Additionally, Davis is averaging 11.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. His 1.7 win shares are tied for tenth in the NBA, while his 26.3 player efficiency rating is ninth best.
While the Lakers have dug an early hole, they are only a few games of a postseason spot. As the season progresses, Davis and James will continue to get healthier, as will the roster around them. If the two stars stay healthy, the Lakers should be able to claw their way back into playoff contention.