As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to open their 2024-25 season, all eyes are on star big man Anthony Davis. After a career-best campaign last year, the 6’10” powerhouse is determined to take his game to even greater heights and establish himself as the league’s most dominant two-way force.
In a recent media session, Davis made his intentions crystal clear, stating, “Being aggressive every time down the floor, being dominant every game. I am committed to fulfilling my responsibilities, contributing to the team’s success, and striving for excellence. This unwavering focus on supremacy aligns with his goal of leading the Lakers to championship contention.
Last season, Davis averaged an impressive 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game while appearing in a career-high 76 contests. The Lakers faithful are eagerly anticipating an even greater individual campaign after his well-rounded production and gold medal-winning stint with Team USA over the summer.
Throughout the preseason, Davis has continued to showcase his all-around brilliance, most notably dropping 35 points, including four three-pointers, against the Phoenix Suns. This offensive outburst is a promising sign of the 28-year-old’s evolving skill set and commitment to expand his game.
As the Lakers prepare to tip off their season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, Davis remains cautiously optimistic about the challenge that awaits. “They looked good in the preseason,” he acknowledged. “But what we do know is that we’re going to come in every day, put our heart and soul into preparing for every night, and put ourselves in the best position to win basketball games.”
The Lakers’ new head coach, JJ Redick, is eager to feature Davis as the offensive centerpiece, empowering him to orchestrate the attack as both a scorer and playmaker. This increased responsibility aligns with Davis’ own self-imposed mandate to be the driving force behind the Lakers’ success.
“We can’t rely heavily on our individual games,” Davis explained. “Obviously, it’s a team effort in what we’re trying to build, but for me personally, I’m just taking it upon myself to make sure that I’m even better than what I was last year.”
With LeBron James still commanding attention and the Lakers’ supporting cast in place, Davis has the ideal stage to showcase his dominance. As the new season dawns, the basketball world will be closely monitoring whether the perennial All-Star can elevate his game and lead the Lakers back to championship contention.