The Los Angeles Lakers continued their road trip in Michigan versus the Detroit Pistons, and head coach JJ Redick addressed every and any question regarding his team ahead of tonight’s match, including Anthony Davis.
JJ Redick Acknowledges Anthony Davis’s Excellent Start to The Season
One answer that stood out from tonight’s pre-game conference was Redick’s analysis of Davis and his general output on the court.
According to The Athletic’s Senior NBA Reporter Jovan Buha, the first-year head coach was asked about what more star center Anthony Davis could contribute on both ends of the court.
“People always want more from Anthony Davis,” said Redick, “The guy can have 30 and 12 and people want more from him… It’s just always been a thing with him when he’s been with the Lakers. That’s a fact.”
Is Anthony Davis Underappreciated?
As of November 3, Davis is averaging 31.8 points (57.3% FG, 25.0% 3FG, 78.6% FTS), 12 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. The Lakers center is leading the league in average points, fifth in rebounds, and seventh in blocks with an average of 2.0 blocks per game.
Davis has been exposed to shouts from fans, media, and betting platforms as an early leading candidate for not only Defensive Player of the Year but also MVP.
Despite being known league-wide for his prowess as a two-way player, possessing the ability to not only perform but dominate both offensively and defensively, Davis does not have many individual titles to his name though he has come close a few times. This has led fans to note the perceived underappreciation for Davis’s game, a notion that the star himself has acknowledged to some degree.
Also Read: Anthony Davis MVP Odds Skyrocketing
When asked about what aspects of his defensive game have become under-appreciated during his Media Day conference, Davis uttered just three strong words to get his message across.
“All of it.”
As Anthony Davis slowly takes reign over the Lakers team as a number one option, it is inevitable that the star player will be demanded to not only perform to expectations but to exceed them.
However, it has become quite clear that players, coaching staff, and fans alike feel a lack of appreciation towards Davis when he does so.