Anthony Davis Is Key to Lakers' NBA Title Hopes After Dominant Performance in Opener
October 23, 2024
Much was made Tuesday night in the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves about the historic moment that LeBron and Bronny James shared the court, the first time a father and son had achieved that feat in the 78-year history of the NBA.
Hidden in that feel-good moment was a performance of utter dominance by Anthony Davis, who powered the Lake Show past the Western Conference runners-up from a year ago.
Davis scored 36 in 38 minutes, collected 16 rebounds, and added four assists.
LeBron raved about his teammate to reporters after the game.
"He is the main focal point for us offensively and defensively. And we got to make sure we continue to get him involved. The coaching staff and JJ [Redick, head coach], they do a great job of always putting him in positions where he is a recipient of the offense. And when AD has it going, it's our job as the ball handlers to continue to feed them, find them. And AD did what AD does."
Redick spoke highly of his talented big man, too.
"AD was phenomenal tonight. He attacked the game the right way. He was patient."
The Lakers will need more of the same from Davis if they hope to win a record-tying 18th NBA title this season.
The Western Conference is loaded with talented teams, most of which can go on a run and make it to the NBA Finals. We saw it a season ago with the Timberwolves and even the year before, when the Lakers emerged from the seventh seed to challenge Denver for the west crown.
The Lakers' roster is built around Davis and James, to the point that if they are not at their very best, it is incredibly difficult for that team to win consistently. With James in his 22nd season and not getting any younger, the big man will continue to be nucleus of the organization on the court.
He is off to a great start, setting the tone for the rest of the season and establishing himself as the face of the franchise for the next nine months.
As he goes, the team goes and if the opener was any indication, the team should compete for the Larry O'Brien trophy come the spring.
