Anthony Davis Aims to Cement His Legacy as Top Big Man in 2023-2024 Season
Lakers Fans Hope AD Can Match Historical Big Men and Lead Team to Success
The Los Angeles Lakers have a storied history of nurturing exceptional big men, forming championship-winning teams with these pivotal players. This legacy underscores the importance of having a reliable center who can perform the essential dirty work on both ends of the court.
Despite the critiques Shaquille O’Neal faced during his career, he always approached specific matchups with a personal drive. In his prime years, he relentlessly pursued the title of the league’s best center. As the 2023-2024 season approaches, Lakers fans are eager to witness Anthony Davis take a similar leap, establishing himself as the premier big man in the current era of the game. This aspiration is no easy task, especially considering Joel Embiid’s recent MVP victory and Nikola Jokic leading the Denver Nuggets to their maiden NBA championship at the Lakers’ expense. Yet, Davis, a key figure in the Lakers’ 2020 championship victory, now benefits from a deep and talented roster surrounding him.
Stan Van Gundy’s recent statement drew attention, as he expressed his personal belief that placing Davis on the NBA’s top-75 player list ahead of Dwight Howard is premature. Van Gundy contends that Davis, at 30 years old, still has a substantial career ahead to validate such a placement. Adding to the discourse, columnist Josh Eberley shared his perspective, spotlighting Davis’ performance during the 2020 playoffs, where he demonstrated qualities closely resembling the ideal attributes of a top big man.
Eberley’s argument holds weight, considering Davis’ pivotal role on the defensive front combined with his impressive long-range shooting. Both aspects underscore his versatility and potential to redefine the modern big man archetype. While Davis and Howard possess distinct styles, both have left an indelible mark on the sport, igniting engaging discussions among fans and analysts alike.
“I know MANY of you hate this, hell, I HATED it, but bubble AD was close to the perfect big man. Best defender in the playoffs and found Dirk’s touch offensively. 66.5 TS% on 28 a game from a guy that’s holding it down on defense?”
(Via Josh Eberley)
As the new season draws near, all eyes are on Anthony Davis. Can he rise to the occasion and etch his name alongside the Lakers’ historical big men? The comparisons with past legends serve as a catalyst for spirited debates, and the basketball community eagerly awaits the unfolding of Davis’ journey towards solidifying his legacy as an elite big man.
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