There is no debate that Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis is among the most talented players in the NBA. There aren’t many players capable of dominating on both ends of the court on any given night as Davis is.
He is a tough matchup for most big men given his athleticism and ball-handling ability, as he is capable of playing on the perimeter despite his jump shot being shaky at times this season. That athleticism gives him an advantage in the paint as well, whether it is rebounding the basketball or blocking shots.
However, as with every player in the NBA, Davis struggles in some areas. Arguably his biggest weakness is having to play against big men with size, able to negate or even out the athleticism with brute strength.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
One of the players who give Davis those issues is Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is a very high IQ player, using that to his advantage to make up the difference in athleticism, where Davis has the edge.
He uses angles and his knowledge of what Davis is going to do to help beat him to spots, giving him some difficulties on offense. When on the other side of the ball, Sabonis will take advantage of the smallest opportunity Davis gives him. Normally, his athleticism will make up for the slight mistake, but Sabonis uses his strength to finish at the rim.
In the NBA, Sabonis has had Davis’ number to this point. He has never lost in a matchup against him, going 9-0. That is an impressive number because Sabonis hasn’t always played on playoff teams. Davis hasn’t either, but his entire Lakers’ tenure has been played alongside LeBron James, so it is surprising to hear the Kings have had so much success against them.
Alas, Sabonis isn’t the only big man that Davis has struggled against. Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is also undefeated recently against Davis, going 7-0 dating back to the 2023 Western Conference Finals matchup. Similarly to Sabonis, Jokic has a size advantage over Davis that he uses to dominate their matchup.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
There is no shame in getting outplayed by Jokic, as he dominates virtually all of his opponents. The Nuggets have also been one of the best teams in the NBA throughout Jokic’s career, sweeping the Lakers en route to winning the NBA Championship.
The Western Conference is going to be a gauntlet again this year in the postseason. If the Lakers want any chance of advancing deep, they will need to hope to avoid facing the Kings and Denver Nuggets, two teams they don’t match up well against as they negate the impact Davis has on both ends of the floor.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
