Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham recently drew striking comparisons between NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis and NFL legends Tom Brady and Ray Lewis. Following the Lakers’ Play-In Tournament championship victory over the Indiana Pacers, Ham expressed his admiration, stating, “If Bron is our Tom Brady on offense, Anthony Davis is our Ray Lewis. He anchors our defense, he plays middle linebacker, he communicates, he does all of that.”
In the game that secured their triumph, Anthony Davis showcased his dominance with an impressive performance, tallying 41 points and 20 rebounds. LeBron James also contributed significantly, earning himself the IST MVP honors with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Ham’s comparison of James to Brady, known for his offensive prowess, appears fitting, given James’ impact on the Lakers’ offensive strategy.
“If Bron is our Tom Brady on offense, Anthony Davis is our Ray Lewis. He anchors our defense, he plays middle linebacker, he communicates, he does all of that.”
Lakers HC Darvin Ham on AD’s defense 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/6ltLgUnyE1
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 10, 2023
Comparing Anthony Davis to Ray Lewis
However, the analogy of Anthony Davis to Ray Lewis, a revered NFL linebacker, might be met with a bit of skepticism. While Davis possesses immense potential and demonstrated his skills in the recent game, his career has been marred by injuries and stints with non-playoff teams before joining the Lakers. Lewis, on the other hand, is hailed as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, having been a linchpin in an elite defense.
Ham’s generous praise, though possibly hyperbolic, reflects a common tendency among coaches to laud their star players. Despite potential disparities in career achievements, Ham’s acknowledgment of James and Davis’s contributions to the Lakers’ success adds a positive note to their journey. It remains to be seen whether Davis can consistently reach the heights associated with a figure like Ray Lewis, but Ham’s public admiration is likely appreciated by both players.
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In the world of sports comparisons, where analogies often draw debate, Ham’s bold statements underscore the impact James and Davis have on the Lakers, shaping a narrative that resonates with fans and pundits alike.