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Anthony Davis is once again sidelined with injury, a familiar theme in what has otherwise been an amazing career for the Los Angeles Lakers big man.
The time on the shelf has allowed him to reflect on the Lakers' current situation and see the bigger picture, particularly surrounding LeBron James. To AD, there's added frustration in not being able to stay on court particular based on what he's been seeing from LeBron of late.
The 8-time All-Star was completely candid on King James' precarious perch upon the top of the NBA, and how quickly it can all come crashing down.
Via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
“Very short window,” Anthony Davis said on how he's felt watching LeBron on the Lakers sidelines. “We don't know how long he has left in this league.
“Phenomenal player, future Hall of Famer, and to be able to play alongside him, you want to take advantage of it. We did the first year. Last year we both were banged up, and then this year, it's [injuries] again but more so me. So every day it's closing. That's another frustrating part. A lot of guys don't get to play with talent like that. I have the opportunity to do so … I want to take advantage of that time,” the Lakers star continued.
By the way he's played in the last couple of games, LeBron James can still play at a high level for several more years. The Lakers star is fresh off a week with not one, but two 50-point games leading to wins, proving he has a ton of gas left in the tank.
But his sheen of invincibility disappearing when it comes to injuries, as well as his innate level of desire to actually keep playing even when his physical prowess (very) slowly seeps away can alter the current reality in a hurry. Not to mention the fact that his actual future with the Lakers still seems very much in the air.
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“He has another year left with the Lakers,” said Davis. “And then who knows? I don't know what he's going to do. So we got this year and next year to try to take advantage of that and get another ring out of it.”
Amidst a tumultuous Lakers season, there has reportedly been growing tension between LeBron James and the front office, particularly with Jeanie Buss. LeBron James may be the face of this generation of NBA basketball, but the Lakers at large is one of the few entities capable of flexing their muscles on him.
Extending beyond next season in LA is far from a guarantee, and Anthony Davis knows it too. That's why the focus has been on the here and now. Getting back on the court this season, even with a play-in tournament battle in tow, is paramount for Anthony Davis. The Lakers star still remains “optimistic” that a return is in the cards but doesn't sound too sure, either.
“I'm very optimistic about it,” Anthony told a small group of reporters before the Lakers played the Suns on Sunday, making his first comments about the injury since it occurred Feb. 16. “I'm trying to get back on the court as soon as possible. As far as a number or something, I would love to say 100 but with only a certain amount of games yet, not 100% sure.”
The Lakers have just 15 games remaining which leaves little wiggle room to integrate Anthony Davis back into a rotation that's largely been unable to find chemistry yet even without AD. The likelihood of putting everything together in time for the postseason looks slim. But with LeBron James' best seasons probably countable on one hand, that puts pressure on taking a swing every season, especially after last year's playoff exit largely hinged on a different Davis injury.
Anthony Davis is signed on up until the 2024-25 season and was expected to be the face of the franchise once LeBron eventually departs. But there's unfinished business in La La Land right now. Although a championship run doesn't seem to be in the cards this season, a run at the title is the only worth outcome for them next season, which AD admits could be the last together with LeBron James.
