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LA Lakers coach Darvin Ham revealed Anthony Davis' mentality after he dropped a season-high 55-point game in the team's 130-119 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Davis has been on a tear for the Lakers over the last month.
He has averaged 34.2 points, 15.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks, shooting on a 63/42/86 split. The Lakers have turned things around during that stretch, having registered an 8-2 record. AD has embraced the role of being the go-to player. Here's what Ham said about this after the win over the Wizards (via Spectrum SportsNet):
"AD wants it. He wants it. He wants to be that guy for the team, and I think it's beautiful to watch... His teammates they're encouraging him. They're trying to get him the ball, any and every possession. It's just been cool, man. He has everyone rallying around him."
Anthony Davis has played arguably the best basketball of his life during this 10-game stretch for the Lakers. He seems to have taken the torch from LeBron James as the team's leader, which has been key to the Lakers' turning things around after a 2-10 start.
Opposition teams have no answer for AD on either end of the floor. The former Pelicans star has managed to stay healthy during this stretch. It has allowed him to rediscover his rhythm and play consistently at a high level. If he continues to go at this rate, Davis will likely find himself in the MVP conversation soon.
Also read: Former NBA champion reckons Anthony Davis is more skilled than Giannis Antetokounmpo
Anthony Davis key to LA Lakers revival
The LA Lakers haven't performed at a high level since winning the 2020 championship in the bubble. Anthony Davis endured back-to-back injury-prone years, contributing to the Lakers' downfall. The injuries also impacted AD's performance on the court.
Every time he found his rhythm, the former No. 1 pick got sidelined due to various ailments. However, this year seems different for AD and the Lakers. He endured another rough start across the team's first 12 games. Davis could only produce 23.1 points and 10.5 rebounds on 53.4% shooting.
However, Davis turned things around after that, improving his averages to 35.3 points and 15.6 rebounds per game on 64.8% field goal shooting. The Lakers banked on him to play at this level when they mortgaged their entire future for his services in 2019.
At 29, he is the team's present and the future, so it was important for AD to soak up more responsibilities, especially with father time slowly catching up with LeBron James. Davis' performances have directly impacted the Lakers' success, as seen during their current 8-2 run.
The LA Lakers' hopes of making the playoffs and a deep postseason run rely on Davis, especially with how their roster is currently constructed.
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