Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis is a polarizing figure. When he is on his game, he is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, capable of making a major impact on both ends of the court. But, staying on the court has been an issue for him.
Davis has missed double-digit games in all but three seasons of his career. One of those three seasons was the COVID-19-shortened season, in which Davis missed nine games. All of those injuries have brought about some strong opinions from the media and fans.
However, that isn’t something that Davis concerns himself with. While talking to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Davis revealed that he hasn’t been on social media recently. It helps him block out the noise, as he has avoided social media for a few months now.
“Hell nah, I’m not on social media and it’s been that way for about four months,” Davis told Bleacher Report while at his locker stall. “I don’t know what anybody is saying. Most times it’s just clickbait to draw ratings. I don’t give that s–t any attention.”
There has been a lot of chatter centered around Davis in the Lakers’ Western Conference semifinal series with the Golden State Warriors. In Game 1 he became only the fifth Laker in franchise history to record a 30-20 game and was the first to also record five assists and four blocks in the contest.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
But, Game 2 wasn’t nearly as memorable. Not only did Los Angeles lose in blowout fashion, but Davis’ production also fell across the board. That led to some scrutiny but it wasn’t something Davis paid any mind to. He has a strong support system that he relies on and that is all he is worried about.
“I’ve got three kids and a wife I want to keep happy. I don’t need any other stress,” the 30-year-old told B/R. “You obviously want to compete at the highest level and perform to your best, but s–t, it doesn’t go that way sometimes.
“I don’t know what was said, and I don’t care. I got 15 motherf–kers in this locker room and a coaching staff that I listen to. Outside of them, it’s my strong support system. They’re the only voices I let in.”
In Game 3, Davis returned to that dominant form. He scored 25 points with 13 rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks in 33 minutes. Golden State doesn’t have an answer for him when he is playing at the level he has in Games 1 and 3.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Peaks and valleys in performance are bound to happen. These players are the best of the best at their craft but everyone is going to have a down night from time to time. Davis spoke about it, saying the game plan has pretty much been the same, it just comes down to execution.
“It’s not like I say, ‘Well, you know what, I’m going to take the night off. I’m not going to go hard tonight. I’m not going to make shots.’ It’s not like that,” Davis told B/R. “People always want to tell you what to do, but I shot 10 times in Game 2 and I shot 11 times tonight [Davis took 10 field goals]. I got the same looks. Nothing was different aside from me making shots.
“When that negative stuff starts to circulate, I go into my own little world and remind myself of who I am and what I can do and why people are criticizing me. You’re criticized for a reason. It’s because of who you are or who they know you can be. Every single time before a game, I remind myself of who I am and I go compete.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Right now, the narrative is a positive one for Davis and the Lakers. They are up 2-1 in the series and a big reason for that success has been his performance. If he can stay healthy and produce near the same level as which he has thus far, the Lakers are going to be very difficult to beat.
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