The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Denver Nuggets 119-107 in the season opener. Anthony Davis didn't have his best game, as the star forward struggled in the second half. Stephen A. Smith put Davis on blast Wednesday while speaking on ESPN's First Take.
“Atrocious. Very concerning,” Smith said of Davis' performance. “Ladies and gentlemen: You just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain't going to win no championship this year… I'm so ticked off at Anthony Davis right now. It's an embarrassment what happened with him yesterday.”
Anthony Davis reacts to difficult game
Davis finished the game with 17 points. He added eight rebounds and four assists. However, AD went just 6-17 from the field and finished the contest with a plus-minus of -17. Notably, Davis failed to score in the second half. In all reality, Davis actually played well to begin the game.
But his inability to lead the Lakers to a victory stood out in the fourth quarter. He discussed his performance following the Lakers' loss.
“(Denver) started double-teaming,” Davis said. “They were trying to crowd the paint. I missed some easy layups around the rim, little jumpers. Just trying to make the right play, kick it out to our guys … But, just gotta shoot it more.”
LeBron James is arguably the best player ever. He is a future Hall-of-Famer. However, at this point in his career, LeBron needs another superstar to lead the charge. Anthony Davis needs to step up and be the Lakers' best player.
LeBron performed well but it wasn't enough. AD's struggles left LA searching for answers. Perhaps against a weaker opponent the Lakers could have escaped with a win despite the circumstances. Against the reigning champions though, LA needs Davis to be on top of his game.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and the Lakers will try to bounce back at home against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
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