Who has been LA Lakers' best player in the 2023 NBA playoffs?
The LA Lakers are led by two of the most dynamic superstars in the game: LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They have both put on strong performances against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets. But throughout the 2023 NBA playoffs, who has been the LA Lakers' best player?
One can argue that it's LeBron James because of his elite scoring ability and exceptional decision-making. However, from a statistical perspective, Anthony Davis has been the Lakers' best player.
Anthony Davis averaged 20.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks in their first-round series against the Grizzlies. The Lakers star was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end.
He made things difficult for Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies' dribble penetration. Davis also held his own on offense. He provided spacing, and the team delivered with dominant shooting performances throughout the series.
During the second-round series against the Golden State Warriors, Davis averaged 21.5 points on 57.8% shooting and 14.5 rebounds. The LA Lakers' star was a nightmare to handle for the Warriors.
He had a major size advantage on offense, and the Warriors could not shut him down. On the defensive end, he was critical in limiting the Warriors' looks under the basket. He was also called upon to guard Stephen Curry in certain situations.
Davis has averaged 28.7 points (on 51.8% shooting) and 14.0 rebounds in three games against the Nuggets. Unfortunately, all three games have resulted in losses.
He scored 40 points in Game 1 on Tuesday and he has been a reliable scorer for the LA Lakers. Davis has also been the team's best defender. This is the best Anthony Davis has looked since the LA Lakers' championship run in the 2020 playoffs.
LA Lakers' Anthony Davis on the team's mindset following the Game 3 loss
Following the game, Lakers' Anthony Davis spoke to the media about the team's mindset despite being down 3-0.
“Everyone in that locker room looked at it as obviously a challenge but, we’ve done it before. ...2-10, 13th place climbing uphill basically all season to get to this point and it’s the same thing here. Obviously, it’s a steeper climb being down 0-3 but we’re going to keep taking it one game at a time, try to get better, and come out with a win on Monday."
With how impressive he has looked in this year's playoffs, Davis will be called upon to do even more with the team's season on the line.