Ben Simmons Passionately Defends Anthony Davis as Better Defender Than Rudy Gobert

The excellence of Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, according to the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons, is due in part to Davis’ defensive versatility that sets him apart from Utah’s Rudy Gobert.

The 6-foot-10 Davis delivers when it comes to every aspect of the game. His statistical numbers over 55 games this season show him averaging 26.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.

Such numbers, in tandem with the output of superstar teammate LeBron James, help explain why the Lakers had compiled a Western Conference-best record of 49-14.

The output on both sides of the court also shows why the Lakers made multiple efforts last season to acquire the 27-year-old Davis from the New Orleans Hornets. The cost to acquire the perennial All-Star was high, but the price was right as far as the Lakers were concerned.

Davis and the Lakers were headed to the franchise’s first postseason since 2013 when the NBA abruptly suspended the season on March 11.

At present time, there’s no clear indication whether NBA play this season will resume, given the uncertainty regarding the coronavirus.

Whether or not the league attempts to finish out the regular season or simply head straight into the playoffs is also unknown.

Regardless of that final decision, the Lakers are in the rare position of having two players in Davis and James who can legitimately be declared among the greatest ever to play the game.