Keyshawn Johnson believes Anthony Davis will be ‘key’ in Lakers’ revenge playoff series against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets

AD versus the Joker will be the main focus of the matchup.

Keyshawn Johnson believes Anthony Davis will be ‘key’ in Lakers’ revenge playoff series against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets

Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic

The Los Angeles Lakers have advanced to the playoffs after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday in the Play-In tournament. Anthony Davis had a great game, focusing on the boards as well as doing a great job protecting the rim. Going into the playoffs, AD and company will now be facing the reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets.

As the men in purple and gold get ready to face the Joker, AD will be the key to stopping the two-time MVP. Recently, Keyshawn Johnson pointed out the same thing, as Davis will have to step up if the Lakers want a chance to go ahead in the playoffs. 

Anthony Davis has to play better. He can't get pushed around when he's down low, he has to finish, he's already at the rim. He had an opportunity to have a lot of and one's last night, but he couldn't cash in the easy... I'm already kissing the rim but for some reason, I can't put it in.
Keyshawn Johnson via FS1’s Undisputed

Davis was the key player in the previous postseason as well. The first two rounds went out smoothly for the Lakers, having a lot of advantage in the paint, only because of the center, AD. He was a problem for the Grizzlies as well as the Warriors. However, Davis was the most dominant against the Nuggets in the Conference Finals.

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Anthony Davis was just shy of leading the Lakers past Denver

In the series that ended in just four games, Anthony Davis led the Lakers averaging 26.8 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game on a 50% shooting from the field. Not only that, but Davis did a fantastic job on the boards as well as on the defensive end of the floor. This time, the Lakers are healthy and ready to take on the Nuggets.

It won’t be as easy for the Nuggets to get past the Lakers this year. The team has found its momentum and is on a great stretch of wins, coming into the playoffs. To secure this series, the Lakers will have to win in the first two games. A 0-2 deficit following the first two road games can be dangerous for LA.

Davis has been chirpy all season long, having played 76 games this season, which is the most he’s ever played as a Laker. It will be interesting to see how the Lakers will look to play Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, as they are scheduled to tip off the series on the 20th.

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