The Los Angeles Lakers knew they were acquiring a two-way superstars when they traded for Anthony Davis this past summer.
But Davis has been so good, he has helped transform L.A.'s team defense.
Davis is averaging 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals per game, showing tremendous versatility for a big man while also posing as an elite help defender from the weak side. The Lakers rank third in defensive rating as a result, just one year after ranking 12th in that same category.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks had high praise for Davis after Friday night's 105-117 loss to the Lakers, saying Davis will win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award:
Dillon Brooks on Anthony Davis: “He’s probably going to be Defensive Player of the Year.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 22, 2020
Davis certainly put on a defensive clinic on Friday.
“The Brow” racked up an absurd seven blocked shots, including this spectacular chase down:
Anthony Davis with the chase down block – NASTY! pic.twitter.com/qNRxiJUWvM
— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) February 22, 2020
In fact, Davis managed to set the ton on the defensive end after briefly being forced to go to the locker room with an apparent calf issue. Nevertheless, he returned in dominant fashion.
The 26-year-old is not only instinctual, but also tremendously gifted in terms of his ability to switch onto smaller guards in the pick-and-roll. He played particularly stifling defense on Brooks and rookie sensation Ja Morant, who essentially had zero room to operate in the restricted area.
There is no question Davis' presence has also benefited the likes of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard in the Lakers' frontcourt.
Davis is not necessarily the most sensational defensive player in terms of advanced metrics, but his playmaking on that end of the floor is undeniable.
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