Entering the 2019-20 NBA season, fans and experts alike knew that the partnership between LeBron James and Anthony Davis was going to be special.
However, even those lofty expectations seemed to pale in comparison to just how wonderfully the two superstars meshed with one another from very early on in the season.
James has returned to MVP form after what was arguably the worst season of his career last year. As for Davis, he has turned into a clear leader on a championship contender and has masterfully dealt with all the pressure that comes with that.
One person who has seen them grow together firsthand is Lakers veteran Jared Dudley. Dudley says that his superstar teammates have managed to bring the best out of each other.
He said as much when speaking with Michael Lee of The Athletic.
“Anthony Davis. Anthony Davis has brought the best out of LeBron and LeBron has brought the best out of Anthony Davis,” he said. “When it comes to Anthony Davis doesn’t get enough credit as far as being a leader. Pushing LeBron. People always think it’s LeBron to AD. AD’s presence defensively, him being a beast. LeBron trying to integrate him the right way, him being more vocal, him getting on teammates. People don’t see that side. LeBron might be the leader.
“But don’t get it twisted. There’s many times that he’s more vocal than LeBron. I want people to know this man gave up millions of dollars to come here and it’s not just to follow somebody. It’s a co-lead. For them to go on this path together, that’s why I was kind of bummed because of how well they were going to elevate each other in the playoffs. How these two were on pace to take their games to a whole other level. They were locking in. Like no other.”
James has played with some of the most talented players of his generation. From Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in Cleveland, there’s no doubt that he’s benefited from great teammates.
With that being said, Davis is clearly the most gifted player James has every played with. The versatility and skill that the two Lakers stars bring to the court are simply too much for nearly every team in the NBA to handle.
Just prior to the stoppage of play last month, the Lakers had handily defeated the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks in successive games.
The Bucks currently have the best record in the NBA, while the Clippers are just one spot behind the Lakers in the Western Conference standings.
Hopefully, the NBA season starts up sooner rather than later.
If a champion is to be crowned at all this season, the Lakers seem to have about as good a chance as any to claim the title. James and Davis are undoubtedly the primary reasons why.
