Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis has become no stranger to criticism. Given the struggles he’s faced avoiding injuries in recent years, many NBA fans have made him the focus of the punchline for their social media jokes.
Davis has produced a strong start to the season, averaging 26.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks in 15 performances. His impact has been arguably the greatest it’s ever been during his Lakers tenure.
“He’s one of a kind,” Russell Westbrook said of Davis. “Always been that way, able to imprint his game in many ways.”
Davis produced an incredible recent stretch of player — scoring at least 30 points and hauling in 15 rebounds or more in four consecutive performances. He joined Elgin Baylor and Shaquille O’Neal as the only players in Lakers history to do so.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Perhaps most importantly of all, the Lakers managed to go 3-1 during the stretch that Davis produced such historical results. He put the team on his back with LeBron James sidelined and was instrumental in getting wins against underwhelming opponents.
One of the more impressive parts of Davis’ season early on has been his willingness to play through pain when he gets hurt, not injured. There was a near scare when he landed on his shoulder against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, but he didn’t let it slow him down.
“I don’t know if I came down on his shoulder or something … just lost feeling in my arm, my fingers and my hand,” Davis said. “… My left hand, didn’t really need it much tonight.
“They said I need to let the nerve calm down. I was like, ‘I don’t have the time to let the nerve calm down.’”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Along with Davis, Russell Westbrook has really settled into his role as the Lakers’ sixth man. Things appear to be trending up as James recovers from injury. When he returns, Los Angeles must continue to round out their supporting cast before it’s too late if they want to make the most of their three stars.
The Lakers planned to have Davis take over as the top option in the offense and overall player on the team by this point when they traded for him from the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s showing to be capable of doing so right now, but can he sustain it?
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