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Quick Bytes
- Anthony Davis had a standout season with the Lakers, playing 76 games.
- Davis was recognized on the NBA’s All-Defensive First-Team but missed out on DPOY.
- Teammate Taurean Prince argues Davis deserved more DPOY consideration.
- Austin Reaves also praises Davis, calling him the league’s best defender.
Anthony Davis’ Defensive Prowess Lauded by Teammates
Anthony Davis delivered an impressive performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023-24 season, participating in a career-high 76 games and leading the team to the playoffs.
Despite the Lakers’ early postseason exit, Davis’s defensive impact was significant, earning him a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive First-Team. However, his efforts fell short in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) voting, where Rudy Gobert clinched his fourth title. Taurean Prince, Davis’s teammate, expressed in an interview that Davis’s contributions warranted greater recognition for the DPOY award. Prince highlighted the team’s inconsistent performance as a potential factor in the voting outcome.
Adding to the chorus of support, Lakers’ Austin Reaves also vouched for Davis, suggesting he doesn’t receive the credit he deserves for his defensive capabilities. Reaves went as far as to label Davis the best defender in the league. Both teammates’ comments underscore a sentiment that Davis’s defensive skills are undervalued, especially in the context of award recognition.
For Davis to be a stronger contender for the DPOY in the future, it seems he would need to replicate his stellar season and contribute to more Lakers victories. Nevertheless, his peers’ advocacy speaks volumes about his defensive dominance in the NBA.
