Quick Bytes
- Anthony Davis shines in the 2023-24 season, leading the Lakers to the playoffs.
- Davis named to NBA’s All-Defensive First Team but finishes fourth in DPOY voting.
- Teammate Austin Reaves advocates for Davis, highlighting his defensive impact.
- Davis credits trainers and offseason work for his career-high 76 games played.
Lakers’ Anthony Davis: A Defensive Force Underrecognized
Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis had an exceptional 2023-24 season, taking on more leadership and guiding the team to the playoffs. Despite an early exit, Davis’s performance, especially on defense, stood out.
His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team. However, his fourth-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) vote left teammates like Austin Reaves puzzled. Reaves praised Davis’s defensive skills, emphasizing the significant difference he makes on the court and expressing his belief that Davis is the league’s top defender.
Davis’s ability to defend any player across various schemes, combined with his agility and instincts, makes him a unique and versatile defender. While Rudy Gobert won the DPOY award, many feel Davis’s contributions have been overlooked.
Off the court, Davis achieved a personal milestone by playing 76 regular-season games, the most in his career. He attributed this feat to his trainers and the hard work during the offseason, highlighting the importance of preparation and support in reaching peak performance.
