Anthony Davis has struggled to find his touch this NBA season. After winning the 2020 NBA championship, The Brow’s level has decreased, with some blaming injuries while others directly said he stopped trying.
Everybody has something to say about Davis’ situation, offering help to the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, while others blasted him for his low level. Shaquille O’Neal belongs to the second group, as he doesn’t mince words when addressing Davis, the present and future of the Purple and Gold.
In the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Neal charged against Davis, saying that Russell Westbrook isn’t to blame for the Lakers’ struggles this season. Instead, he called out AD for not putting the numbers the team needs from him to be competitive.
“Westbrook ain’t the problem. The last week I saw some LeBron stats, I ain’t see no AD stats. That’s the problem right there.”
“I speak from an experienced place. If you gonna be a one-two punch but a hell of a one-two punch. Don’t let the one who’s the older of the one-two punch take all the, you know.”
O’Neal gave his flowers to Davis, but he stated that this level isn’t what the Lakers expected from him. He needs to level up and become the dangerous player he was before and during the bubble.
“He’s very talented. He’s shooting 19% from the 3. LeBron got Western Conference player of the week and had fun while doing it. What are you doing Mr. AD? What are you doing? Ain’t seen your name mentioned all year. If you gonna be a one-two punch make sure you step up.”
Davis has earned a lot of criticism this season. He was expected to become the leader of the Lakers since LeBron James is getting older, but so far he hasn’t succeeded. This must change as AD is a crucial figure for the Lakers this campaign and future ones. The big man has stated he won’t change his strategies, especially with 3-pointers, but perhaps it’s time to try something different and see if that works for him and his team.
In 26 games this season, Davis averages 23.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing, while shooting 52.0% from the field, and a poor 18.2% from beyond the arc.
