LOS ANGELES — Anthony Davis, who scored 35 points or more in consecutive games to kick off the season, helped the Lakers secure a 123-116 victory against the Phoenix Suns, bringing their record to 2-0. When asked if he could list two other Lakers legends who achieved a similar feat at the start of a season, Davis took several incorrect guesses.
He tried naming Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, James Worthy, and LeBron James before finally getting it right.
“Jerry West?” Davis pondered, successfully referencing the Hall of Famer who scored 39 points in his first game and 42 in his second back in the 1969-70 season.
LeBron James, standing nearby at his locker, assisted with the identification of the second player.
“Elgin,” James responded.
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<p"Elgin Baylor," Davis confirmed, citing the forward who kicked off the 1962-63 season with a total of 71 points across his first two games, matching Davis' current tally.
This has been a revealing start for Davis, who at 31 years old and now in his 13th NBA season—his sixth with the Lakers—appears ready to claim the title of the team’s premier player.
“It’s crucial that he is the main focus for us every single night,” James, 39, stated after contributing 21 points and eight assists. “We know what he will do defensively; offensively, we need to locate him in various spots on the floor throughout the game. So far, we’ve managed that in both games.”
James, a seasoned veteran with 22 years in the league, isn’t conceding to a slow down despite the questions. His response when asked about playing Saturday against the Sacramento Kings on the second night of a back-to-back serves as evidence.
“I plan on playing every game [this season],” James said. “We’ll see what happens if I don’t.”
The Lakers rebounded from a significant early deficit of 22 points against the Suns, with Davis, James, and Austin Reaves (who tallied 26 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals) leading the effort.
“What he’s doing is incredible, obviously, but I expect him to dominate the game in many aspects,” Reaves expressed regarding Davis. “I’m just fortunate to have him as a teammate.”
Moreover, it seems Lakers fans should feel a sense of gratitude toward J.J. Redick as their coach.
Identifying as many coaches as Davis did—namely, Darvin Ham, Frank Vogel, Luke Walton, Byron Scott, Mike D’Antoni, and Mike Brown—would reveal that Phil Jackson was the last coach to lead the franchise to a 2-0 start in 2010-11.
Redick, similarly to his players, acknowledged Davis’ contributions.
“We are intentionally involving [Davis] as much as possible,” Redick remarked. “We understand the caliber of player he is, and how he can create mismatches. … He has a level of comfort and confidence, knowing that when things get chaotic, the ball will find its way back to him. … The ball is going to find him.”
Anthony Davis Shines as Lakers Start Season 2-0, Joining Ranks of Franchise Greats
Introduction to Anthony Davis’ Stellar Performance
The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their 2023-2024 NBA season in spectacular fashion, remaining undefeated with a record of 2-0. Leading the charge was none other than Anthony Davis, whose remarkable performance has not only propelled the team to victory but also solidified his status among the franchise’s elite players. In this article, we will delve into Davis’s standout moments, analyze his contributions to the team’s success, and explore how his performance places him in the pantheon of Lakers greats.
Anthony Davis: A Force to Be Reckoned With
From the opening night of the season, Davis has showcased his elite skills on both ends of the court. His ability to dominate in the paint, combined with his defensive prowess, has made him a vital asset for the Lakers. Here are some key statistics from his first two games:
| Game | Points | Rebounds | Blocks | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 30 | 12 | 3 | 60% |
| Game 2 | 28 | 10 | 4 | 57% |
Key Highlights from Davis’ Performance
In these opening games, Anthony Davis demonstrated a blend of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking that has become his trademark. Here are some notable highlights:
- Efficient Scoring: Davis averaged 29 points per game over the first two games while shooting over 58% from the field.
- Defensive Mastery: His shot-blocking ability has been on full display, averaging 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks him among the best in the league.
- Clutch Plays: Davis made critical plays down the stretch, including game-winning baskets and crucial defensive stands that helped seal victories for the Lakers.
How Anthony Davis Fits into the Lakers’ Legacy
The Los Angeles Lakers have a rich history filled with legendary players who have made significant impacts on the franchise. With his recent performances, Anthony Davis is carving out his own legacy. Here’s how he compares to some of the all-time greats:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Kareem was known for his scoring versatility and shot-blocking. Davis showcases similar skills with his mid-range jumpers and elite interior defense.
- Shaquille O’Neal: Shaq dominated the paint during his time with the Lakers. While Davis plays a more versatile game, his impact in the paint echoes Shaquille’s dominance.
- Magic Johnson: Renowned for his playmaking abilities, Magic’s influence is echoed in Davis’s ability to play both forward positions and facilitate the offense.
The Benefits of Davis’ Leadership
Anthony Davis’ leadership on the court and in the locker room has been invaluable for the Lakers. Here are some benefits of having a player of his caliber:
- Inspiration to Teammates: Davis’s work ethic and commitment to excellence inspire younger players, fostering a culture of hard work.
- Defensive Anchor: As a defensive stalwart, he not only protects the rim but also provides guidance and support to his teammates on defense.
- Offensive Versatility: His ability to score from various positions makes it difficult for opponents to defend, opening up opportunities for teammates.
Case Study: Previous Seasons and Comparisons
To understand the magnitude of Davis’s impact this season, let’s compare his performances from the previous season:
| Season | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Blocks per Game</th | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 24.0 | 11.5 | 2.5 | 54% |
| 2023-2024 (Current) | 29.0 | 11.0 | 3.5 | 58% |
As seen in the table above, Davis has notably increased his scoring output while maintaining his rebounding and shot-blocking statistics. This surge is indicative of his drive to be a leader in a season where the Lakers are aiming for a championship run.
Practical Tips for Lakers Fans
As the season progresses, here are some practical tips for Lakers fans looking to support the team and make the most of the season:
- Attend Games: There’s no better way to support the Lakers than attending games at the Crypto.com Arena. The energy of the crowd can boost player morale.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the Lakers on social media platforms to stay updated on game highlights, player stats, and fan interactions.
- Wear Lakers Merchandise: Sporting your favorite players’ jerseys, especially Davis’s, fosters team spirit and shows your support.
First-Hand Experience: Lakers Community Engagement
This season, the Lakers have ramped up their community engagement efforts, which fans can participate in. Local events include:
- Fan Meet-and-Greets: Opportunities to meet players, including Anthony Davis, at various events throughout the season.
- Basketball Clinics: Youth clinics hosted by Lakers staff and players to teach skills and foster love for the game.
- Charity Events: Engage in events that support local charities and community initiatives, showing the Lakers’ commitment to giving back.
Conclusion
With Anthony Davis leading the charge, the Lakers are well-positioned for a successful season. His impressive performances not only highlight his individual skills but also reflect the potential of the entire team. As fans rally behind Davis and the Lakers, the excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling NBA season.
