Los Angeles Lakers star big man Anthony Davis has dealt with criticisms on his play, specifically his three-point shooting lately. While Davis has had to shoulder a bigger offensive load with LeBron James sidelined, he's also had to step up in another area. Davis spoke about how he's been tested in this specific area with James in the health and safety protocols.
"It’s a good test for me."
Anthony Davis talked to @ChrisBHaynes about finding his voice and leadership with the Lakers as LeBron has missed time due to injuries and COVID protocols.
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— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 1, 2021
That is a very interesting, and positive development, to arise from LeBron James being sidelined. As Anthony Davis noted, it gives him the chance to lead the Lakers forward without James' voice involved, as the franchise could ultimately be in Davis' capable hands one day.
This stretch without James is almost like a trial run for Davis as the Lakers' leader. Not seen as a particularly expressive player, Davis has been markedly more vocal this season, as noted by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports,
Haynes cites moments from this season, such as when Davis criticized the entire Lakers' team following a loss to the Sacramento Kings, or when Davis got into it with Dwight Howard a little bit, as moments that show leadership growth in the star big man.
Not only has Davis excelled on the court for the Lakers, with averages of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and over two blocks per game, but he has also begun to grow as a leader both on and off the hardwood.
It doesn't count as a win for the Lakers, but it should ultimately be seen as a victory for both the present and future state of the franchise that Davis is slowly evolving into a leader.
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