Kevin C. Cox / Associated Press
LeBron James appeared in 241 playoff games. He just missed the 10 points he scored in Thursday’s 111-88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers twice.
The Los Angeles Lakers still won by 23 – and it didn’t even seem that close – because LeBron could play as the best number 2 he ever had.
Indeed, if the Lakers win it all in 2020, those roles could be reversed. Maybe this postseason is where Anthony Davis takes the baton.
On Thursday he scored 31 points in 13 shots out of 21, took 11 boards and provided three assists. And he did it all in 29 minutes, which was more than enough to help the Lakers restore order in this No. 1 against n. 8.
LeBron, meanwhile, got his 10 points with the 4 out of 11 shot. He also had six turnovers. Based on the game’s score, it was the sixth worst playoff performance of his career.
At no point did Thursday’s action seem to matter, though. The CEO was in control and there was nothing the Blazers could do about it.
He went out for three. He flew over Hassan Whiteside for offensive rebounds. He scored inside. He was locked up in defense. And he did things like this:
What should anyone do about it?
Even in today’s rich talent NBA, Davis is anomalous. He was the only player in 2019-20 with at least 100 blocks and 100 two-pointers from 3 meters and out. He was at the 72nd percentile for points per possession in isolation, the 78th percentile as a roll man, and the 81st percentile as a cutter.
At the other end of the floor, AD anchored the number 3 defense in the NBA. The Lakers only gave up 107.3 points for 100 possessions when he was down.
And all of this versatility comes from the physical build of a traditional 5, which is where Davis should end up as Laker.
On Thursday, he played just under 10 minutes without JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard on the floor. Put LeBron in that equation and you could have the title-winning lineup from LA.
In the season, the Lakers are plus -14.3 points per 100 possessions with LeBron on the floor and Davis at 5 (compared to plus -5.3 when LeBron is on and AD is at 4).
There aren’t many centers that can effectively manage all the different ways that AD scores. The old school and heavier types can be pushed off the edge for ISO and jumpers. Try a smaller, more mobile player on him and Davis will punish him as a reel or post player.
Surrounding AD with more shots also makes his scoring opportunities easier.
“Is the size just overrated in this league?” Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN asked The Lowe Post. “” Built for the playoffs. “What the hell does that mean? Built for the playoffs now means,” Got four shooters on the ground? “
If perimeter defenders have to pay attention to Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, it’s harder to double down on Davis or pack the paint, and that leads to a better look. In 2019-20, the Kentucky product had a 58.3 effective basket percentage when McGee and Howard were off the pitch. It was 50.5 percent below average when he shared the floor with one of the two centers.
Davis’ biggest impact on 5 could be on defense, though. In those formations “LeBron on track and Davis on 5”, the Lakers give up just 100.2 points for every 100 possessions (99th percentile).
When in the center and surrounded by players who can change everything else on the pitch, LA is a nightmare for opposing offenses. This will become more and more important in each subsequent round.
Kim Klement / Associated Press
Whether they end up in a Western Conference final with the Los Angeles Clippers or an NBA final against the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics or Toronto Raptors, position versatility will be key. The most modern looks give it to the Lakers.
And regardless of whether AD notices it, surrounding him with that versatility also unlocks a higher level for him.
The best version of this team is the one Davis dominates. Constantly.
“This is Anthony Davis, I want EVERY NIGHT, “The Athletic’s Ry Cole tweeted Thursday etThe championship is more likely to get it when he is at 5 and LeBron is still on track.
This is arguably one of the most talented duos ever put together. Their chemistry seemed to be there almost instantly, which has a lot to do with LeBron who could plant the seeds for a peaceful transition of power.
LeBron for AD was by far the most prolific assist combination in the NBA this season. Davis was also the Lakers’ top scorer.
The playoffs are a different beast and in the coming days and weeks we will definitely have some classic LeBron performances. We already got one in Game 1 when he had the first 20-15-15 in post-season history, albeit at a loss.
But on Thursday he showed us what the next Lakers team could look like. At the height of his powers, Davis may be the best player on a league team.
Yes, even one that includes LeBron.
Unless otherwise noted, statistics courtesy of NBA.com, PBPStats.com, Basketball reference, Stathead or glass cleaning.
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