Since he came to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade four years ago, Anthony Davis has been expected to eventually take the reins from the aging LeBron James, at least as far as the offense was concerned.
It somewhat happened in his first season. He led the team in scoring at 26.1 points a game, while James clocked in at 25.3 points a game. It worked well enough for the Lakers to win the NBA championship at the end of the pandemic-delayed season.
Since then, some believe Davis has slacked off and lost his edge, even though he had arguably the best statistical season of his career last year.
However, with training camp opening, there are signs Davis is taking more of a leadership role.
Via Los Angeles Times:
“Davis said he’s made it a point to be more vocal, to be more of a leader,” wrote Dylan Hernandez.
“‘I think I’m going to be the second-oldest guy here now, so guys lean on me a lot, especially the bigs,'” Davis said. ‘I feel like it’s my responsibility, being one of the leaders on the team alongside Bron.’
“Davis mentioned he especially wanted to provide guidance for two newcomers to the Lakers’ frontcourt, Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood.
“In addition to leading them through early morning workouts over the last week, Davis has taken them out for meals and invited them to his house, according to Hayes.
“‘He’s just been helpful in a lot of ways,’ Hayes said.
“‘He’s been a leader,’ Wood said. ‘Him and LeBron.'”
According to Wood, Davis hasn’t just been talking a good game as far as leadership, but he’s been walking the walk as well.
“Wood recalled how, on the first day he worked out at the Lakers’ practice facility, he arrived at 7 a.m.
“‘(Davis) and LeBron were already in the gym in a full sweat,’ Wood said. ‘So that kind of motivated me to, All right, now I gotta get here earlier than LeBron and A.D.'”
As long as James is around and playing at a high level, Davis may not need to show a tremendous amount of leadership. James is more of a natural leader and alpha male than Davis. But the superstar big man has certainly become louder and more vocal since coming to Los Angeles, and it can only be a good thing for a Lakers team that expects to contend for the NBA championship.