Danny Green Says Anthony Davis Has Been ‘Pushing’ LeBron James to Play Elite Defense

In his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Danny Green has a hand in the team’s NBA-best 17-3 record.

He also has some high praise for his teammates, especially Anthony Davis.

When asked by USA Today about the impact Davis has had on the Lakers defense, Green was positively effusive.

“He’s been the Defensive Player of the Year,” said Green. “Hands down. He’s led by his actions, by his vocal, by his communication. His standards for everybody and for ‘Bron (LeBron James). He’s the reason why you see ‘Bron out there scrambling and hustling, doing all the things that he’s been doing. He’s been pushing him on that end of the floor. We all have, but those two have a special relationship. AD has been leading by example and with his words and what he’s done vocally. That’s why our defense has been so great thus far. We want to try and be better for the full 48, but he’s the foundation of our defense.”

It’s hard to miss Davis’ effect on the Lakers, who are third in both defensive rating and points allowed per game. He’s averaging 2.8 blocks per game, which is a hair behind Jonathan Isaac for second in the NBA.

Anyone who knows the game of basketball will tell you that having an elite shot-blocker like Davis makes others better by virtue of allowing them to play more aggressive defense on the perimeter. Others can play closer to their man and gamble more for steals knowing that a man like Davis is a strong last line of defense.

With 7.3 blocks per game, the Lakers lead the league, thanks to the efforts of Davis, Javale McGee and Dwight Howard.

Just prior to the start of the season, Davis said that his goal is to be Defensive Player of the Year this season.

Just over a month into the 2019-20 campaign, it’s hard to argue with Green that the former New Orleans Pelican is deserving of that award.