As of right now, the Los Angeles Lakers is LeBron James‘ team. The King has been carrying the Purple and Gold ever since he made the move to Cali in 2018. But, at the age of 38, it’s high time the franchise looks for its next face. In 2019, when the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis, many believed he would take over from LeBron. Now, four seasons in, Showtime Sports’ Rachel Nichols believes it’s high time he actually ascends the throne.
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To say that AD has been a disappointment is an understatement. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and injury woes have made him more of a curse than a boon for the Lakers. That being said, there is still time for him to regain his form.
Only aged 30, The Brow still has a long career ahead of him. Provided he stays fit and continues to work on his game, he will be back in All-Star form, maybe even MVP form in no time. The sooner the better, because if there is one thing the Lakers need right now, it’s for an aging King James to take a back seat.
Rachel Nichols believes LeBron James needs to take a back seat and give the keys to Anthony Davis
LeBron James is just a few weeks away from finishing up his 20th season in the NBA. A future Hall of Famer, The King has been ‘all guns blazing’ from day one. But now, at the age of 38, it might be time for him to cool things down.
While he has been the picture of longevity, age always catches up. And, with that in mind, many believe the 19-time All-Star should consider handing his thrown over to someone else. But, who is worthy of taking up LeBron’s place on the Lakers?
Well, according to Showtime Sports’ Rachel Nichols, Anthony Davis is the only logical option. Nichols believes that this is the perfect time for AD to take over the reins. Especially with a tough series ahead against the Golden State Warriors. She points out that when he first made the move to LA, LeBron himself said it was only a matter of time before he took over. Now, would be the perfect moment.
Talking Anthony Davis earlier today on CBS HQ: Is this going to become the playoffs where AD does more to carry LeBron than the other way around? Remember when the Lakers first got AD, LeBron said it was only a matter of time. Well, is that time actually here? Or at least close? pic.twitter.com/pHv533iaxV
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 3, 2023
What Nichols is asking of AD is completely warranted. The man was an MVP-level player but fell off due to injuries and inconsistency. But, looking at his performance tonight in Game 1 against the Dubs, one cannot help but believe there is still a chance he can be the leader both LeBron and the Lakers need.
Davis led the Lakers to a Game 1 win in tonight’s match against the Warriors
So far, the Lakers’ Playoff charge has been led by LeBron James. But, Anthony Davis was the star of tonight’s win over the Golden State Warriors. The Brow recorded a massive 30 points and 23 rebounds. The first Lakers to have such a stat line in the Playoffs since Shaquille O’Neal.
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One thing is for certain, if AD’s continues to have nights like this on a consistent basis, the Lakers will be his team long after King James has gone.
