LeBron James Crowns Anthony Davis As “Face” Of Los Angeles Lakers Franchise

Armon Sadler
·3 min read
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LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and thus he has been the top dog for every team he has played for. The 38-year-old is ready to pass the torch now and crowned Anthony Davis the “face” of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise this week.

King James spoke to the press during the NBA’s annual media day on Monday (Oct. 2) and gave AD high praise. “He is the face [of the franchise],” Bron told ESPN. “You look at all these [retired] numbers that surround this facility, all the greats that have come here and AD is one of them.”

Anthony Davis was offered a major contract extension this summer, amounting to $186 million over three years and keeping him on the Lakers roster through 2028. The four-time NBA Finals MVP was pleased with this move for his partner-in-hoops, especially as the end of his career draws near. “I was very, very happy and extremely proud,” he said when asked about Davis’ deal. “It’s super dope to see him get that extension to be a part of his franchise for years and years and years. And it’s been a treat so far playing alongside of him and I hope we can do some great things.”

Anthony Davis didn’t seem too interested in assuming the throne. “I think this is the Lakers’ team, and I play for the Lakers,” the three-time blocks leader told reporters when they asked if he felt like the team was his. “I think I’m going to be the second-oldest guy here now so guys lean on me a lot. I feel like it’s my responsibility, being one of the leaders of the team alongside Bron. It’s my job to help those guys and help the young guys… Let them know what we need and what we need to get better and giving them advice so we can all be together and unified to be able to compete for a championship.”

LeBron James courted Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers after a disappointing 2018 campaign that ended with them missing the playoffs. Davis was officially traded from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 and found immediate success the following season as the Lakers went on to be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, win each playoff series in five games, and secure their first championship trophy since 2010.

The circumstances were far from normal as the COVID-19 global pandemic caused the season to be suspended in March 2020. They restarted the season that July and the playoffs took place inside of a bio-secure bubble at Walt Disney Resort. The Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in six games due to the stellar play of James and Davis.

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