Anthony Davis after dropping third consecutive 30/10 game in LeBron James’ absence: “Continue to have the mindset of dominating on both sides of the ball”
Anthony Davis has been on a tear over his last three games without LeBron James on the floor. The LA Lakers star center highlighted that the mindset of being dominant needs to stay the same regardless of who's available.
Here's what Davis said after dropping his third consecutive 30-point, 10-rebound game during the Lakers' 123-92 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday:
"No matter who is on the floor, for us or for them, I just want to continue to have the mindset of dominating on both sides of the ball."
AD has done precisely that during LeBron's absence. The former No. 1 pick is averaging 35.0 points, 17.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game over his last three outings. The Lakers have a 3-0 record during that stretch, and it wouldn't have been possible without Davis' contributions.
He looks like the player he was during the Lakers' 2020 championship-winning run. LA has craved this version of Davis over the last two seasons, but injuries have held him back. AD seems to be in a good rhythm this time. He had a nagging back issue, but he has overcome that and performed as everyone expected him to.
Also read: Anthony Davis is driven to get back to his star form as he writes ‘Feed the ball to AD’ on team board: “I feel like I’m getting my rhythm back”
Anthony Davis embracing the role of a superstar key to LA Lakers' success
Before the season started, many fans, former players and analysts highlighted that Anthony Davis would have to take over the torch from LeBron James. Davis was once ranked alongside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those comparisons faded after the Lakers won the chip in 2020.
Davis has been inconsistent when healthy over the last two seasons. Some even wrote him off, claiming he wasn't capable as the go-to option on a contending team. The Lakers continued to rely on the aging LeBron, which wasn't ideal for them to sustain winning at a high level.
AD started the current season struggling again. He averaged just over 20 points and 10 rebounds over the first 11 games. Davis was a non-factor in the second half, which played a role in the Lakers' losing start. However, the Lakers have made adjustments to get him going.
Anthony Davis has given the perfect response by donning the role as the No. 1 option in the absence of LeBron James. The Lakers were barely given a chance by critics to win games during the latter's absence, but Davis has shut down the noise in style.
As predicted, that's proving to help the Lakers win games at a stretch. LA will face a stern test against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. LeBron James (adductor) remains questionable for now, so Anthony Davis will have to deliver again for the Lakers if they are to extend their winning streak to four games.
Also read: Anthony Davis asserts LeBron James return doesn’t imply a lesser role for him: “Nothing changes for me when he comes back”