The Los Angeles Lakers thoroughly out-muscled the Indiana Pacers in the NBA In-Season Tournament finals, thanks to Anthony Davis‘ 41-point masterclass. Meanwhile, both LeBron James and Austin Reaves lit up the stage with more than 20 points. Even while dropping 41 points, Anthony Davis did not fail to take charge of LA’s defense. The star center terrified the Pacers’ offense with a commanding 20 rebounds. Flabbergasted by the team’s showdown, LA coach Darvin Ham had high praise for LeBron and Co. drawing parallels to NFL greats, including Tom Brady.

If LeBron James’ offensive exploits reminded Darvin Ham of Tom Brady, Anthony Davis’ defensive skill set reminded him of the Ravens legend Ray Lewis.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis earn comparisons to NFL greats

After the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament win, Darvin Ham spoke to NBA TV about Anthony Davis’ showdown. “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,” said Darvin Ham. Hailing AD for setting the tone on both sides, Darvin Ham detailed how the former has the young stars’ back in every game.

As Darvin Ham puts it, Anthony Davis allows young LA stars such as Max Christie to let themselves loose while defending. Ham added that LA’s fresh blood knows Davis has their back. Besides, AD also takes responsibility for the team’s mistakes on the defensive end and makes up for them. The Lakers’ tournament-winning show is indeed a testament to Davis taking responsibility on both ends.

If Anthony Davis sealed the Lakers’ win against the Pacers in the final, it was their ‘Tom Brady’ LeBron who took charge in crucial knockout games.

James’ Tom Brady-esque displays in 20th consecutive season

LeBron James, as the hoops community, is aware, is in his 20th season as the NBA’s oldest active player. Has the age taken a toll on King James? Well, it is the other way around. In the recently concluded In-Season Tournament, James led the LA offense with the most points in crucial knockout matches. When LeBron James and Kevin Durant came face to face in the quarterfinals, the former had the last laugh. Then, James led LA’s scoring with 31 points as they won 106-103 against the Phoenix Suns.

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The Lakers’ semi-final matchup against the Pelicans saw another 30-point performance. Without even Darvin Ham having to say it, James’ performances themselves speak volumes about his ability to spearhead offense. Therefore, LeBron James reminding Darvin Ham of Tom Brady catapulting the Patriots’ offense does not come as a surprise.

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