Stephen A. Smith and Charles Barkley team up to give Anthony Davis reality check about getting ‘carried’ by ‘oldest guy in the league’ LeBron James

The First Take host comes for Anthony Davis once again.

Stephen A. Smith and Charles Barkley team up to give Anthony Davis reality check about getting ‘carried’ by ‘oldest guy in the league’ LeBron James

L-R: Charles Barkley, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Stephen A. Smith (Via Screengrab/user generated content)

Continuing to defy nature, LeBron James, the LA Lakers superstar, played a pivotal role in the team’s convincing victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA In-Season tournament semifinals. With a remarkable performance, James scored 30 points, orchestrated eight assists, and secured five rebounds in the 133-89 trouncing of the Pelicans.

After the game concluded, TNT sports analysts, including Charles Barkley, Stephen A. Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and others, gathered to dissect the Lakers’ brilliant performance. During the program, Stephen A persistently critiqued Anthony Davis.

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Charles Barkley started by saying:

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I was telling Shaq….LeBron is the oldest in the league looked like the youngest guy in the court. It looked beautiful to watch.

Stephen A. then added:

But there’s a flip side to that. When you are approaching 39 years of age in your 21st season and you’re consistently going into an arena night in and night out and you’re not just the best player but you’re the best conditioned athlete.

The ‘First Take’ host further went on to rip the young guns of the league:

It does make me look at the younger guys and say what the hell are y’all doing with your time. You get paid enough money to take care of your body, to be in peak condition, to be in elite physical shape. When I look at LeBron James performing in the way that he performs, it makes me think about Anthony Davis all year long.

For a while now, Stephen A. Smith has consistently mentioned Anthony Davis in his arguments. Playing a crucial role in the victory over the Pelicans, Davis contributed with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists.

Anthony Davis is playing his role well

Despite facing criticism this season for purportedly not doing enough or fully supporting LeBron, Anthony Davis, widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time, is actively contributing to a Lakers team currently in the NBA In-Season Tournament final. Additionally, they hold the fourth position in the Western Conference standings.

Anthony Davis injury update
Anthony Davis (Credits: screengrab/ X)

Consistently achieving double figures in both points scored and rebounds throughout the season, Davis has proven his reliability. On occasions when the King, LeBron James, faced an unusual slump in form, such as the away win at the Cavaliers, Davis stepped up, leading the Lakers to a 121-115 victory with an impressive performance of 32 points and 13 rebounds.

Anthony Davis stats
Anthony Davis stats (via screengrab NBA.com)

As the season approaches its climax, there’s still time for Anthony Davis to surpass his last season returns of 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Currently, he maintains an average of 22.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.

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