The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2023-24 NBA season with a victory, and it was thanks to the outstanding performance of Anthony Davis. During a recent episode of “First Take,” Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion, passionately defended Davis when asked if he was a problem for the Lakers.
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In their most recent win against the Phoenix Suns, Davis showcased his prowess with an impressive stat line of 30 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Despite Davis’ strong showing, he continues to face criticism. However, Perkins vehemently disagrees, asserting that the problem does not lie with the former Kentucky Wildcat.
Perkins expressed his frustration with critics who tend to focus on the negative aspects while overlooking Davis’ contributions to the Lakers. He emphasized that Davis played a pivotal role in the team’s remarkable second half of the 2022-23 season and their journey to the NBA Western Conference Finals.
Kendrick Perkins doesn’t wanna hear the Anthony Davis criticism
“The Lakers don't have an AD problem. … He has shown us time and time again that he's capable of rising to the occasion and getting things done."
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) October 27, 2023
Furthermore, Perkins highlighted the challenging nature of playing against the Denver Nuggets on their home court due to the high altitude of the Colorado mountains. He reminded viewers that the Lakers’ playoff series loss to the Nuggets allowed them to even reach the postseason. Perkins urged people to put the Nuggets’ second-best home record from the previous season into perspective, emphasizing the difficulty of defeating them in their own arena.
Perkins’ passionate defense of Anthony Davis sheds light on the impact the Lakers’ star player has had on the team’s success. He believes that critics tend to overlook Davis’ contributions and fail to acknowledge the challenges the Lakers faced during their playoff run.
As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Davis continues to perform and whether his critics will reassess their opinions. Kendrick Perkins’ fiery defense serves as a reminder that individual performances should be evaluated within the context of a team’s overall success and the unique challenges faced in various game situations.
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Anthony Davis remains a key asset for the Los Angeles Lakers, and his contributions on both ends of the court will undoubtedly play a significant role in the team’s quest for future victories. It is through the support and defense of players like Kendrick Perkins that the true value of Davis’ impact can be properly appreciated.