The Los Angeles Lakers’ season-opening victory towards the Minnesota Timberwolves etched its place in NBA historical past.
Whereas LeBron James and Bronny James made headlines as the primary father-son duo to take the courtroom as teammates, Anthony Davis stole the present with a masterful efficiency towards final season’s Western Convention runners-up.
Davis’ dominance caught the eye of Lakers legend Michael Cooper, who stated he believes the large man is able to inherit the management mantle from LeBron James.
“I think he’s ready to take over,” Cooper stated, through SiriusXM NBA Radio. “But again, basketball is about team, and I think A.D. benefits off of LeBron’s ability to still be out there, read his ability to get better. But again, he’s gonna have to stand up and share that bigger load.”
“[Anthony Davis] is a great player and he showed that last night”
@HoopHall @ShowtimeCooper reacts to Davis’ double-double in Lakers win over TWolves final evening
@TermineRadio | @JumpShot8 pic.twitter.com/4EvnQUmn7L— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 23, 2024
The Corridor of Famer pointed to Davis’ improved sturdiness, enjoying a career-high 68 video games final season.
Cooper additionally emphasised that true management calls for consistency and reliability evening after evening.
“So, he won’t have the luxury of missing a couple of games, because if he misses then they gonna miss that 32 points, 16 rebounds and nobody on the team can fill that void for him,” Cooper stated.
“He is definitely ready. I think LeBron did a great way of this kind of flowing surely getting them in there, but A.D. is a great player. And he showed that last night.”
Davis posted a powerful stat line of 36 factors, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and three blocked photographs.
His continued excellence can be essential for the Lakers’ pursuit of their 18th NBA championship, particularly in a Western Convention loaded with contenders.
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