It’s no secret that fans are the lifeblood of sports, cheering at the top of their lungs, and eagerly waiting for that brief, magical moment with their favorite athletes. Whether it’s a quick autograph or just a simple nod of recognition, these little interactions can mean the world to them. But sometimes, things don’t go as fans hope. That’s exactly what went down recently with Anthony Davis, sparking a heated debate among fans.

A video recently surfaced on X that painted Davis in a not-so-flattering light. The clip showed the NBA superstar seemingly ignoring a group of eager young fans, who had been anxiously waiting to meet him. It quickly gained traction, with many fans calling out Davis for what they saw as a cold and heartless gesture. The fan who uploaded the video didn’t hold back either, posting a lengthy caption accusing Davis of being “heartless,” and the online criticism only snowballed from there.

However, Davis found an unexpected ally in former NBA star Eddie A. Johnson, who wasn’t having any of the hate. Johnson, no stranger to the highs and lows of fan interactions, jumped in to defend Davis. He reposted the video with a sharp rebuttal: “So according to the YMCA all-star, AD is a bad person because he did not stop, maybe he had a prior engagement, maybe he did not feel good, maybe those same kids are everywhere and he signed before, maybe they work for you and you sell signed cards! How would u know, YMCA star?”

Criticism of Davis isn’t new, especially after a tough season for the LA Lakers. Fans have been vocal about their disappointment, often directing their frustration at Davis. The 31-year-old has been dealing with such hate for years, hinting as to why he doesn’t interact with fans anymore.

Anthony Davis’ tips on ignoring haters

When asked about dealing with criticism, Anthony Davis made one thing clear—he’s not wasting time on social media. In a post-game interview last season, the Lakers star shared his approach to blocking out the noise. “Hell nah, I’m not on social media and it’s been that way for about four months,” Davis said after a win against the Warriors. “I don’t know what anybody is saying. Most times it’s just clickbait to draw ratings. I don’t give that s–t any attention.”

Davis emphasized that his focus lies elsewhere—on his family and his game. “I’ve got three kids and a wife I want to keep happy. I don’t need any other stress,” he explained, highlighting his priorities. But Davis doesn’t just ignore the haters; he keeps his circle tight.

His focus is on the teammates in the locker room, his coaching staff, and a strong support system. For Davis, these are the voices that matter most, and he doesn’t let outside noise disrupt his focus or peace of mind. LeBron James, who overheard Davis during the interview, couldn’t agree more. Jumping in, James added, “Sometimes you just have to cut that s–t out… Who do we need to listen to? Who? Exactly. Nobody.”