Although Anthony Davis is a dominant big man and a generational talent, he has become something of a polarizing figure among Los Angeles Lakers fans.
He is injury-prone, which has made him a lightning rod for criticism, and his critics insist he is completely inconsistent, unmotivated, lazy and soft.
Of course, there is only a minuscule amount of truth, if any, in those criticisms. While Davis isn’t a perfect superstar big man (who is, though?), he has played a huge role in the Lakers’ success over the last four seasons.
This season, he averaged 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game while shooting 56.3% from the field in the regular season. His rebounding average and field-goal percentage were both career highs.
Although his scoring went down to 22.6 a game in the playoffs, he was usually even more of a beast defensively and on the boards. In 16 games, he averaged 14.1 boards and 3.1 blocked shots a game, both of which lead the NBA playoffs.
Not too long from now, Davis will be up for a possible contract extension, but former NBA center and current ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins says the Lakers shouldn’t make him an offer, at least not yet (h/t The Cold Wire).
.@KendrickPerkins doesn't think the Lakers should extend Anthony Davis 👀
"We haven't seen a healthy Anthony Davis in, what, three or four years? You have to start asking yourself if you're the front office … Can you trust AD and hand him the keys to the car?" pic.twitter.com/MpanORzy4h
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 5, 2023
Davis has two years left on his contract, but he can opt out of the final year of that deal and become a free agent next summer.
With James nearing the day he eventually leaves the Lakers, either via retirement or joining another team, Davis represents their best chance of remaining relevant after James departs. The big man is 30 years of age, and if he avoids a truly major injury, he could have approximately five more good or great years left in him, which would surely extend past James’ Lakers tenure.
