Skip Bayless skeptical of Anthony Davis carrying his superstar form, calls him ‘Always Disappointing’: “AD has turned back into a PER Prince”
Anthony Davis has been a dominant force for the LA Lakers as of late. It's been a dream come true for the Lakers after a slow start to the 2022-23 season.
Heading into Tuesday night's game, the LA Lakers find themselves at 10-12 on the season. It's a remarkable accomplishment for a team that was once 2-10. Los Angeles has won five of its last six games and is starting to build confidence.
The main reason for the turnaround has been the play of superstar forward Anthony Davis. Throughout his tenure with the Lakers, Davis has struggled to stay on the court. He's dealt with numerous injuries that have stopped him from reaching his upside as a two-way superstar.
So far this season, Davis is showing just what he can do when his health isn't in the way. In his last ten games, Davis has averaged 34.2 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.9 blocks per game. During that same stretch, he's shot 63.3%, including 41.7% from 3-point range.
It's safe to say that Davis has quickly turned into one of the top players in the entire NBA. On "Undisputed," analyst Skip Bayless stressed caution about Davis' potential to stay healthy.
"AD has turned back into a PER Prince. You call him 'Always Dominating?' I'm going to have to change that nickname to 'Always Disappointing,' because that's what he is. He is low motor, and he is low durability.
"He’s been on a weird tear that I cannot quite explain except that I know he’s capable because he’s done it before."
Anthony Davis is averaging 34 PPG, 15 RPG off 63% FG in his last 10 games:
“He’s been on a weird tear that I can’t explain except that I know he’s capable because he’s done it before. AD has turned back into a PER Prince.” — @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/Yxd2oOSB0Z
Anthony Davis starting to dominate for the LA Lakers
Talent has never been a question for LA Lakers forward Anthony Davis. Throughout his 10-year career, Davis has arguably been one of the NBA's most talented players.
The durability of the 29-year-old forward has always been the point of emphasis. In his last two seasons with the Lakers, Davis played in a combined total of 76 games. He's only played more than 70 games in one season just twice in his career.
Anthony Davis in his last nine games 😤💪
37 PTS, 18 REB, 2 AST
38 PTS, 16 REB, 4 BLK
30 PTS, 18 REB, 3 STL
37 PTS, 21 REB, 5 BLK
25 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK
25 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK
27 PTS, 12 REB, 3 BLK
44 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK
55 PTS, 17 REB, 3 BLK
HE'S BACK. https://t.co/2U0DUXA2zk
For now, it looks as if Anthony Davis has started to become the dominant force of old. The LA Lakers hoped this was the version of Davis they were getting when they traded for him in 2019.
If Davis can stay on the court, the Lakers can continue to make noise in the Western Conference. The team is in the midst of a three-game winning streak, and Davis has been brilliant in that stretch. In his last three games, Davis has averaged 42.0 ppg, 13.0 rpg and 3.0 bpg. He's shooting 66.2%, including 62.5% from 3-point range.
The Lakers will be tested in their upcoming stretch of games. On Tuesday night, the team faces the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. After that, they will have three more games on their road trip: against the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons.