There was a time when the idea of superstars LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard playing together on the Los Angeles Lakers was a realistic possibility.
However, Leonard crushed that dream and ended up signing with the Los Angeles Clippers last summer.
Looking back on it, Davis told reporters during All-Star media availability on Saturday that Leonard’s decision shifted the league and made it fun.
“He made the league interesting,” Davis said. “He made the league fun. That’s the great thing about sports. You never know what’s going to happen.”
Leonard, 28, is having a career year across the boards in his first season with the Clippers.
He is putting up 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season. The two-time champion’s amazing play has made the Clippers strong contenders this year.
Meanwhile, Davis is also having a phenomenal first season with his new team. The 26-year-old is averaging 26.6 points, 9.2 boards and 3.3 assists per game this season.
The immersion of both stars with their respective franchises has renewed the Los Angeles rivalry. Furthermore, it has leveled the playing field across the league in terms of balanced power.
While it would have been great to see a superteam form on the Lakers, it simply wouldn’t be fair for the rest of the association. The Lakers are already sitting atop the Western Conference standings.
Now, the Lakers and Clippers have fairly even squads and are expected to have a very competitive matchup if they meet in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
