Anthony Davis’ Dominant Opening Night Performance Leads to Bold Lakers Playoff Prediction by Skip Bayless

The Los Angeles Lakers made a dominant start to the season with a 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a historic night for the Lakers with LeBron James and Bronny James playing together, JJ Redick making his coaching debut, and Dalton Knecht playing his first game. However, the biggest highlight of the night was Anthony Davis’ performance on both ends of the floor.

AD dropped 36 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 11 of 23 from the field. He received MVP shoutouts in the opening game for the Lakers. In addition to that, he also managed to win over Skip Bayless.

After the game, the media veteran took to X, formerly Twitter, to heap praise on the Lakers. Bayless made a bold prediction that the Lakers would move to the Conference Finals this season, but he did it in his typical style. Bayless wrote, “I can’t understand why the oddmakers have little to no respect for the Lakers. I have ’em losing to the Thunder in 7 in the conference finals.”

I can't understand why the oddmakers have little to no respect for the Lakers. I have 'em losing to the Thunder in 7 in the conference finals.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) October 23, 2024

The Lakers had a subpar run last season. They were knocked out in the first round by the Nuggets. So, making a deep playoff run this time will be at the top of their priority list. Whether they will lose to the Thunder or even make it to the Semifinals or not, we will know in due time. For now, it’s safe to say that the Lakers have started their campaign on the right note.

AD putting up a dominant 36-point performance on the franchise’s opening game is a great sign for the team. Only a few days ago, the nine-time All-Star talked about his plans for the upcoming season. AD had stated that he will look to dominate every game whether it’s a regular season game or a postseason game.

He seems to be living up to his promise. Davis’ performance generated some interesting reactions from Bayless. The media veteran was impressed by the fact that he was dominant from start to finish in his 38 minutes of playing time. Bayless also stated that “Anthony Davis is playing like the best player in basketball.”

Tonight, Anthony Davis is playing like the best player in basketball.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) October 23, 2024

A performance like that in a seven-point win against the Conference Finalists of the last season must’ve instilled a lot of confidence in the team. It’ll be interesting to see how Redick utilizes one of the best players in the game throughout the season to get the best out of him.