The Los Angeles Lakers are finally beginning to find their form, some might say, just at the right moment! Yesterday, they managed to clinch the 8th spot in the Western Conference standings after securing a comprehensive 108-124 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. While LeBron James and Austin Reaves made significant contributions, it was Anthony Davis who stole the show. AD led the way and scored a game-high 30 points, along with 11 rebounds. He’s proved he is made for the biggest stage, as a loss would have pushed the Lakers down to the 9th.

The Lakers would now face the Pelicans, in the play-in tournament this time, and the winner would advance to face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Despite Anthony Davis’ incredible performances, millionaire radio host and analyst Craig Carton, on his show, unexpectedly called him “the most overrated superstar in the history of the NBA.” Further, he said, “Can’t count him (Anthony Davis). He’s not money good. He’s always injured, he’s soft. He doesn’t play through pain.

“You cannot count on him to be there when you need to win the game.” Despite Carton’s co-panelists butting in and trying to make a case, he was hellbent on his statement and went on to share a pet peeve of his own. “What ticked me off: when they came out with the All 100, All 75 Team and put him on, I had a problem with that,” he concluded. Carton’s remarks about Anthony Davis have triggered the Lakers nation. Many fans of the Lakers have come out and defended their superstar, but, what do the stats portray this season?

Carton’s comments appear misguided, as AD has missed just 6 regular season games this season, playing 35.5 minutes per game. However, the Lakers fans now face an anxious wait, as Davis exited the Pelicans game late in the fourth quarter because of a back spasm.

Can Anthony Davis lead the Lakers to a deep playoff run?

Anthony Davis remains confident that he’ll be fit for Tuesday’s play-in game versus the Pelicans. His fitness should be of utmost importance for the Lakers because, without him, they don’t have a chance of progressing far in the postseason. He has averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 76 games this season. In addition to his contributions to the Lakers’ offense, Anthony Davis has been instrumental in anchoring their defense.

His rim protection and dominant presence in the paint are key factors in the Lakers’ ability to maintain defensive stability. AD’s Player Efficiency Rating (PER) provides additional insight into his significance for the Lakers. During the 2023-24 season, Davis has managed to notch up a PER rating of 25.8, which is the fifth-best mark in the NBA, only behind the likes of Jokic, Doncic, SGA, and Giannis.

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The upcoming play-in game will pose a significant challenge once again. Darvin Ham was all praise about Zion Williamson while highlighting that his athleticism and ability to finish with either hand might be a major problem. And with AD’s availability in doubt, who provides help in both offense and defense, he said, “Usually it’s A.D. setting that tone. A couple of other guys. That’s a huge challenge”.

However, we’re forgetting that LeBron James has been by his side and the fans would expect Anthony Davis to lead the Lakers deep into the playoffs. With their head coach emphasizing on a “no excuse” philosophy, will all their chaotic and seemingly unstable locker room atmosphere (LBJ and DH tensions) come back to bite him? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!