“They have a chance because AD has looked phenomenal” Stephen A. Smith still believes Lakers can contend for the championship with Anthony Davis and LeBron James
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Stephen A. Smith and Anthony Davis
The table has turned for Anthony Davis and Los Angles Lakers in the past two weeks and perhaps the majority of credit goes to Davis himself. The 29-year-old had come under severe criticism at the beginning of the season for the lack of intensity and scoring ability, something that he is known for. Even after a long break, Davis came back into the season and hurt his back, which drew criticism as well for his lack of attention and focus on health.
But the Lakers’ picture has changed in the last few games and they at least look like a team who can make it into the postseason. Stephen A. Smith who has been grilling the Lakers in the past and rightfully so for their lack of intensity, now believes that the Los Angeles Lakers can contend for the championship this year. Coming from an NBA analyst who has called out the Lakers for “stinking the city” of Los Angeles is a leap at least in the Lakers’ narrative this season.
In a conversation with Mike Greenberg, Jalen Rose, and Michael Wilbon on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, when asked whether the Lakers have any chance this season, Stephen A. said, “ Anthony Davis has looked phenomenal. Even in losing last night, he’s been 30 and 15 or better in the last five, six games. Russell Westbrook is coming off the bench, he looks great. They’re playing unselfishly.”
What has been so far seen from Davis and Westbrook in the past few weeks only makes the Lakers a better team in the Western Conference. Both Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are All-Star caliber players and can easily turn the fate of the game in their favor on any given night.
Smith also added, “If LeBron James comes back and looks anything like we expect him to do, I say they have a chance.”
Anthony Davis has been filling the stat sheet with some historical numbers
The Los Angles Lakers are currently in the 14th spot in the Western Conference after their loss against the Phoenix Suns. After an embarrassing record of 2-9 in their first 11 games, the Lakers are 5-11 into the season, and all thanks to their big man Anthony Davis. The Lakers won 3 consecutive games before losing to the Suns and Davis was phenomenal in all those games.
Anthony Davis is finally looking like the player every basketball fan expected him to be since the Lakers championship run in 2020. Davis’s numbers are historical and what he did against the Suns has never been done before in NBA history.
The Brow finished the game with 37 points, 21 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 blocks and singlehandedly tried to carry his team. Since the time NBA started recording blocks no player has ever recorded and filled the stat sheet Davis has filled. Closest to Davis is Kareem Abdul Jabbar who recorded 35 points, 21 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 4 steals in a playoff game.
Davis has been able to find his old groove and if continues to do so it is only going to get better for the Lakers. After he took accountability for his game, in the last 5 games, he has put monstrous numbers on board.
Moreover, the 7xAll Star has scored 33.2 points, 17.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 2.6 blocks. With LeBron’s return to the roster, the Lakers are hoping to win more consecutive games.
Also read: “He’s playing like Klay, Steph” Kevin Durant showers Kevin Huerter with the ultimate praise
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Nandjee Ranjan
(488 Articles Published)