The Los Angeles Lakers are currently the fourth seed (14-9) in the Western Conference. While this is a bit of a surprise, it could bring concerns if they fall. Although they managed to make it to the Conference Finals last year as the seventh seed, they may not have favorable matchups again on their way. This is why it is imperative that Anthony Davis takes over as the team’s best player this year. Hopefully, this will occur sooner rather than later. This will provide him with continued confidence going into the postseason against talented opponents consistently. Ultimately, Davis must lead them.
Why Anthony Davis Must Lead the Lakers for a Title
The Team Needs It
While LeBron James has been still referred to as the number one, he can’t continue. Davis needs to exceed that if James continues to produce at this very high level. Furthermore, the rest of the team feeds off Davis’s play. When he’s got it going, whether offensively and/or defensively, the team becomes energized. He is their all-around spark. If he can lead them, it changes the dynamic of the team. As a big man, he must demand the attention of every team they play. James and others will flourish if Davis can force teams to play him like the best player. This team needs him to be that guy.
They Probably Won’t Win a Ring Without Him
As blunt as this may seem, it’s the truth. The Lakers can’t make it without Davis scoring more and with better consistency. A staggering statistic is how well or poorly the Lakers do with Davis. In wins, he averages 24.9 points. In losses, he only averages 18.9 points. With juggernauts in the West, such as the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and other elite teams, they will need him to win. The size of Denver, the offensive prowess of Phoenix, the experience of the Golden State Warriors, and the youth of other teams (New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, etc) are all formidable foes. In order to combat all of them, Davis must work with James. However, the team will go to the top if Davis leads them.
Doing It Now Can Make It Easier Without LeBron
Assuming Davis stays with the Lakers for a while, at least after James retires, he’ll, by default, be the number one option. It seems he should begin taking over the reins before their championship window closes. With James still playing, Davis can build off of him. With consistent production from both, and if Davis consistently averages what he does when the team wins, they can contend for a title. But Davis must be that difference maker for Los Angeles. If the Lakers win a championship, it is because Anthony Davis can lead them.
