Patrick Beverley considers Anthony Davis an anchor on both sides of the floor: “He’s playing at an extraordinary level right now”

Anthony Davis has been heavily criticized in recent years, with some blaming him for the LA Lakers' recent struggles. Teammate Patrick Beverley has heaped praise on the former champion for his current form.

The Lakers are slowly picking themselves up after a horrid start to the season. AD has been the tip of the spear, leading the charge in the Lakers' resurgence.

Although it might be too early to call it a resurgence, the Lakers have won four of their last five games. To start the season, they won two of their first 12 games.

During the post-game presser after their loss to the Suns, Beverley was asked how he thinks the team will fare moving forward with LeBron James' return. He was also asked about AD's dominance, and he said:

“He’s playing at an extraordinary level right now. Guys are sending double teams. You know, I think he’s doing it underrated defensively too which he hasn’t been getting a lot of credit for.

"Obviously, you see offensive rebounds numbers, but he’s been doing it defensively also he’s been our anchor offensively and defensively. We don’t know how long that will be going, but we hope it goes for a long time.”

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Without Davis putting on such stellar displays, the Lakers would have undoubtedly had fewer ticks in the win column. His dominance on both ends of the floor, especially without James, has been the difference for the Lakers.

You might also like: Anthony Davis asserts LeBron James return doesn’t imply a lesser role for him: “Nothing changes for me when he comes back”

Shaquille O'Neal wants Anthony Davis to keep demanding the ball

Anthony Davis of the LA Lakers handles the ball against Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns

Davis was having a ball without James, but many wondered if his usability would be reduced when LBJ returns. Four-time NBA champ Shaquille O'Neal has requested that Davis continue to demand the ball even with James on the floor.

On "The Big Podcast," Shaq said:

(From 38:00)

"LeBron, he handles the ball a lot. Of course, when he’s not there, everybody’s gonna touch it, everybody’s gonna [touch] it and AD becomes the No. 1 source, the No. 1 go-to-guy.

"We've been saying for the last two years he should be the No. 1 go-to guy, anyway. LeBron is gonna be LeBron, but AD should demand the ball, take high-percentage shots and not always take a backseat to LeBron.

"LeBron is not there, he’s the guy," he continued. "He’s asking the ball, he’s getting the ball, he’s taking high-percentage shots and his numbers are showing. The question is can he do that with LeBron in the game?"

LBJ's return resulted in another win for the Lakers, but Davis' numbers were impacted. Although the Lakers did not meet much resistance against the San Antonio Spurs, Davis was not as dominant as he was in his previous games.

Davis, who has averaged 35.5 points and 18.2 rebounds in his last four outings, ended the game against the Spurs with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

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