The LA Lakers have been waiting for Anthony Davis to look like the superstar of old. That’s just what Davis has been doing as of late.
In 2019, the Lakers went all in when they decided to trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for Davis. One of the most dominant two-way forwards in the league, Davis has shown just how talented he is when he’s healthy.
With LeBron James already on the roster, the idea was that Davis would one day take over as the Lakers' franchise building block. But injuries have continued to put a halt on the idea of that becoming a reality. The Lakers (5-11) have struggled to start the season, but one development has become the most encouraging.
Davis is finally starting to look like the player the Lakers hoped they were getting. Recently on ESPN's "Get Up," NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski praised Davis:
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"This is the all-world player that the Lakers traded for. ... He has put up All-NBA, MVP-like numbers."
Anthony Davis starting to shine with the LA Lakers
It hasn't been the start to the 2022-23 season that the LA Lakers had hoped for. But there's been a sudden glimpse of hope for them. In the middle of it is none other than superstar Anthony Davis.
Davis has had as much talent as any other player in the NBA. His health has become the only thing that can hold him back. So far this year, Davis has started to look like the dominant force of old.
The Lakers have won three of their last five games. During that span, Davis is averaging 33.2 points, 17.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. Over that same stretch, Davis is shooting 59.6% from the field as well as 88.5% from the free-throw line.
If Davis can remain healthy, the Lakers will have a chance to get back on the right track. The hope is that once superstar LeBron James returns, the Lakers can finally start to gain some momentum in the standings. Los Angeles is set to take on the San Antonio Spurs (6-12) next in a pair of road games on Friday and Saturday.
The Lakers' recent play has provided signs of hope. Davis, an eight-time All-Star and three-time block champion of the league, is averaging 26.4 ppg and 12.6 rpg and an average of 34.3 minutes per game.
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