The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite a few up and down seasons with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm of it all since the 2019-20 season. Following a Western Conference Finals exit this past postseason, AD seems to be looking towards finding himself new ways to stay healthy and attack the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. One such method looks to be boxing, a combat sport that Damian Lillard has been advocating for for years. unfortunately for Davis, NBA Twitter isn’t all too pleased with him having taken this up.
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One of the biggest concerns for AD throughout the past half decade has been just how prone he is to injuries that linger around for the entirety of a season. He was hobbled during the 2021 Playoffs, he rarely took to the floor in the 2022 season, and this past 2022-23 campaign saw him play 56 games. the last time he crossed 70+ games played was in the 2017-18 season, a year when Kevin Durant was still in Golden State
NBA Twitter reacts to Anthony Davis boxing
LeBron James has made it be known that he takes drastic measures year in and year out to be in top shape, even in his late 30s. it was reported that he spends well over $1,000,000 a year on maintaining his physique through training and employing the help of world class dieticians.
Anthony Davis seems to be on a similar trajectory in terms of innovation when it comes to staying in shape. He was recently seen in the ring sparring with a much shorter boxing partner and given that it is a combat sport, NBA Twitter went on to say things like, “Anthony Davis is risking another season on some bulls**t,” or “He’s gotta be made of glass”.
Boxing is one of the most exhaustive sports to ‘indulge’ in. Everything from the constant strain on your shoulders to keep your arms up for even a couple minutes straight to the amount of footwork that’s required, especially if you’re an out-boxer.
Footwork and stamina are at the core of any fit boxer and luckily for an agile big-man like AD, he would benefit greatly from training in boxing. It’s encouraging to see him try different methods of training to stay in shape and LeBron James and Klutch shouldn’t be all too concerned about his well-being in this aspect
Anthony Davis isn’t the only boxer in the NBA
Damian Lillard is famously someone in the NBA who constantly promotes the art of boxing. His Twitter is flooded with him giving opinions on upcoming boxing matches and boxers in the sport. When he’s not analysing film, he’s in the ring himself, sparring with his partner.
Dame’s love for boxing has gone to such an extent that he even filmed a Gatorade commercial with Ryan Garcia that saw him don special Dame 8 boxing shoes custom made for him by Adidas. Of course, perhaps the most dangerous man in the league according to several people in and around the league is James Johnson who is well versed in a variety of martial arts.
