Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken sports commentator, didn’t hold back on his criticism of Anthony Davis following the Lakers’ season opener against the Nuggets. Smith expressed his frustration and disappointment in Davis, attributing their loss to his underwhelming performance in the second half.
“Atrocious. Oh, very concerning. Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain’t going to win no championship this year. You talk all of this mess and all see, I’m so ticked off at Anthony Davis right now. It’s, it’s an embarrassment what happened with him yesterday and we got to call it like we see it.”
“Second half, 18 minutes. 0 point. Zero? Zero? I mean, Anthony Davis, that’s trash. Zero, really? I mean, that’s just embarrassing. Then you’re going to go to this. 0 for 6 from the field. Not a single free throw attempt. Nothing.”
.@stephenasmith says AD's performance vs. the Nuggets was "atrocious" 😳
"Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain't going to win no championship this year." pic.twitter.com/Tal1NENw1K
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 25, 2023
Smith’s critique was scathing, describing Davis’s second-half performance as “atrocious” and “very concerning.” He firmly believed that the Lakers’ championship hopes would be dashed if Davis couldn’t consistently bring his A-game.
The statistics painted a bleak picture: in the second half, Davis failed to score a single point, shooting 0 for 6 from the field and not attempting a single free throw. Smith found this performance embarrassing and was unapologetically vocal about it.
Smith’s passionate rant highlighted the high expectations and pressure on Davis as one of the Lakers’ key players. While Davis had an impressive first half with 17 points, his scoreless second half was a stark contrast that left fans and analysts like Stephen A. Smith deeply concerned about the Lakers’ prospects for the 2023-24 NBA title.
Anthony Davis Cannot Let The Lakers Down
Anthony Davis’ significance to the Los Angeles Lakers cannot be overstated. With a $186 million contract extension for three years, the franchise has put its faith in Davis as a cornerstone of their future. The pressure on him to step up and lead the team is immense, particularly with LeBron James on a minutes restriction due to his advancing age.
Lakers fans and the organization alike have been eagerly awaiting the moment when Davis would take that expected leap and become the unequivocal leader of the team. While his first-half performance against the Nuggets in the season opener showed flashes of his capabilities, his second-half drop-off was a glaring disappointment.
The Lakers, especially with LeBron’s limitations, depend on Davis to carry the team consistently. With his impressive skills and versatility, he possesses all the tools needed to dominate on the court. However, it’s imperative that he delivers night in and night out if the Lakers are to contend for an NBA title.
Anthony Davis cannot afford to let the Lakers down, especially with such high expectations and a substantial investment in his future with the team. His consistency and ability to perform at an elite level will be pivotal in determining the Lakers’ success in the 2023-24 season.
If Anthony Davis Doesn’t Perform The Lakers Will Have To Take LeBron James Off Minutes Restriction
The Los Angeles Lakers are taking a calculated risk by limiting LeBron James to around 30 minutes per game this season in order to preserve his health and ensure he’s in peak condition for the playoffs. This strategy was partially put in place due to LeBron’s age and his history of dealing with injuries. However, if Anthony Davis, the supposed cornerstone of the team, fails to perform at an elite level and consistently carry the Lakers, the organization might be forced to reconsider this minutes restriction.
LeBron’s presence on the court has consistently been a game-changer, and his absence often results in the Lakers struggling to maintain their performance. If Davis doesn’t step up and fill the void when LeBron is on the bench, the Lakers could face a dilemma. To stay competitive and secure a top spot in the challenging Western Conference, they might have to increase LeBron’s minutes, which comes with the inherent risk of overburdening him and increasing the likelihood of injuries.
The Lakers’ success this season may hinge on Anthony Davis’ ability to consistently perform at an elite level, as this would allow them to stick to their minutes restriction for LeBron. If Davis falls short, the Lakers may have no choice but to change their approach and place a heavier workload on LeBron, a move that carries its own set of challenges and concerns.
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