Vince Carter believes Anthony Davis' respect for LeBron James is stopping him from taking over reigns
While Anthony Davis is expected to take over the reins as the LA Lakers' leader from LeBron James, the superstar hasn't necessarily managed to do so. This concern has been raised by several fans and analysts. In this regard, former NBA player Vince Carter offered his opinion on the matter.
Since joining the LA Lakers, Anthony Davis has been presented as the heir to LeBron James' legacy. As the next-in-line to take over from the "King", Davis has been painted as the next leader of the Purple and Gold. Unfortunately, Davis hasn't necessarily met this standard on a consistent basis.
To be clear, this doesn't denigrate his ability as a player in the slightest. When healthy, the big man has shown that he has the potential to be one of the best players in the NBA.
However, his ability to sustain this brilliance hasn't necessarily appeared as often as Lakers fans would hope.
This shortcoming has left quite a negative but lasting impression of Davis lacking the necessary tools to be the number one guy on a championship team. Given the evidence available at one's disposal, it may also be considered true.
However, former NBA player Vince Carter offered an interesting and refreshing take on the narrative. Speaking about the issue of Davis not taking over from LeBron on "The VC Show", Carter said:
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"I think it’s a respect thing,” Carter said. “He respects who and what LeBron James has done in the game, but at the same time, you are allowed to and you should – nothing wrong with you respecting him.
"But when that guy that you respect is now trying to give you the reins and wants you to take over and be the go-to guy and he can complement you, you should take that as an honor and run with it."
Carter added by saying that he hadn't spoken to Davis about the specific headspace the superstar was in regarding the matter. However, the former player added that AD would definitely be aware of the chatter and doubts regarding his ability to lead the team.
Carter's take on the matter also holds true in light of LeBron being in the final stages of his career. However, while also considering that James has been urging Davis to take over the reins, the 29-year-old may be better served by just displaying that confidence.
Anthony Davis is transcendental as a number one
While there have been several doubts about Anthony Davis' ability to be effective as a number one option, the superstar has proved a lot of people wrong recently.
In the absence of LeBron James, Davis stepped up as the leader everyone expected him to be. In that five-game stretch, the Lakers' big man was transcendental.
Davis put up an average of 33.2 points, 17.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in this span of time. Additionally, he was the first player to notch five straight games with 30+ points and a 15+ rebound record.
Needless to say, Davis looked like "The Guy" for the LA Lakers. While it seemed unlikely that he would sustain this form, he showed that he has what it takes to take over the reins.
With Davis only slightly toning down his output since the Lakers may just see their superstar big man prepare to take the next step in development.
Related: NBA analyst surprisingly picks Anthony Davis to win MVP next season: “Anthony Davis is going to come back with something to prove”, says he’s in great shape