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Matt Barnes believes Anthony Davis would be the best player ever created if he had Giannis Antetokounmpo's mindset. Barnes believes Davis is more skilled than Antetokounmpo. During an appearance on "The LADEShow" podcast co-hosted by former NBA player Lamar Odom, Barnes said:
"He'd be the best player ever created. We're talking pure talent name someone that has more talent than Anthony Davis. He could be a Defensive Player of the Year.
"He could be an MVP. He could shoot the 3. He could shoot the midrange. He can get you off the dribble. He can post you up. He could dunk, he could block shots. I mean, come on man."
"If AD had Giannis' mind and motor, it'd be over, it would be unfair. God knew not to do that, though. It'd be unfair."
Davis has been criticized for not playing to his potential over the years, especially since winning his first championship with the Lakers in 2020. Many believe he could have been the league MVP or DPOY. He got compared to the likes of Giannis for years, but those comparisons faded after AD failed to live up to the hype over the last two seasons.
Antetokounmpo's mindset set him apart from Davis. He has displayed better intensity on a nightly basis and the will to dominate his opponents every game on every possession. Despite his talent and superior skills, Davis didn't necessarily impose his will on his opponents consistently, which saw his stock fall as one of the best players in the league.
Anthony Davis coming into his own this season; outduels Giannis Antetokounmpo in the last game
Anthony Davis seems to be on a mission this season. After another slow start, AD has come into his own. Over his last eight games, Davis is averaging 32.9 points, 15.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 2.9 blocks, shooting 63.1% from the floor. It's the best he has played in his career so far.
The Lakers registered a 6-2 record during that period, including a 133-129 win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Davis outdueled Antetokounmpo in that contest. The former had 44 points, ten rebounds and three blocks, while the latter finished with 40 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Davis has been efficient on both ends of the floor during that stretch. He is arguably the best player in the league right now. His 44-point outing against the Bucks only strengthened that narrative.
The LA Lakers have needed this kind of production from Anthony Davis to be successful. He has also shut down his critics in style. AD has performed at this level consistently for weeks now, and if he can keep this up, he could be among the frontrunners to win the MVP and DPOY awards this year.
Guess the Lakers players!
