Anthony Davis with the Great Assist: The Evolution of His Playmaking Skills
Once known as one of the most dominant big men in the NBA, Anthony Davis has evolved into a multifaceted player with a unique skill set. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Davis has added playmaking to his arsenal. As the Lakers continue their championship pursuits, Davis’ growing ability to create plays and assist his teammates has become a key aspect of the team’s success.
Unleashing His Playmaking Potential
Davis’ assist numbers have been steadily increasing in recent seasons, showcasing his growth as a versatile player. His ability to distribute the ball from the post, in transition, and even in pick-and-roll situations has added a new layer to the Lakers’ offense. While LeBron James remains the primary playmaker, Davis has been able to relieve some of that responsibility, making the Lakers’ offense more fluid and unpredictable.
How Davis’ Playmaking Improves the Lakers’ Offense
When Davis is able to facilitate for teammates, it helps create a much more well-rounded offensive scheme for the Lakers. His ability to pass out of double teams and find open shooters makes him a constant threat on the floor. This also helps to spread the floor, allowing shooters like Malik Beasley, Austin Reaves, and Lonnie Walker IV to thrive. Additionally, his passing ability opens up more lanes for LeBron James, who can use Davis’ assist opportunities to maximize his own effectiveness as a scorer and playmaker.
Comparison with Other Big Men in the NBA
Anthony Davis isn’t the only big man in the NBA capable of facilitating for his team, but his playmaking ability sets him apart. Centers like Nikola Jokić and Bam Adebayo are known for their elite passing skills, but Davis’ combination of size, mobility, and basketball IQ makes him a unique weapon for the Lakers. While many big men are limited to scoring and rebounding, Davis’ ability to make the right pass, especially in clutch moments, elevates his status among the NBA’s elite.
The Lakers’ Future with a Versatile Davis
The Lakers’ future looks even brighter with Davis expanding his role as a playmaker. As LeBron James gets older, Davis will likely become more involved in initiating offense, and his ability to facilitate will make the team even harder to defend. With the additional skill set, Davis has the potential to carry the Lakers’ offense in ways that make him an even more valuable asset.
Conclusion: Davis as a Complete Player
Anthony Davis’ growth as a playmaker has made him a much more complete player, and it’s a big reason why the Lakers have continued to succeed. His newfound ability to create plays for teammates adds depth to the Lakers’ offense, making them more unpredictable and harder to defend. As Davis continues to hone his skills, his impact on both ends of the floor will be crucial in the Lakers’ pursuit of another championship.
