The LA Lakers‘ new season had a bad start yesterday. The big season opener was one of the most awaited events and while the game was a complete thrill, it didn’t end well for the Lakers. Additionally, losing to last season’s winners also added another layer of humiliation to the franchise. It is a common belief that teams come off of a ‘championship hangover’ and don’t start well, but the Denver Nuggets proved everyone wrong.

First in line to receive flak for a lackluster performance was Anthony Davis. AD’s position in the team has been a point of discussion in the past as well. Recently Boston Celtics legend blasted Davis for not playing his role in their first game.

Celtics legend has ‘level 5’ trust in Anthony Davis

For a franchise with a rich legacy as the Lakers, the expectations are often beyond imagination. Although unreal expectations lead to disappointments, expecting a good game is not completely unfair. That is the issue with Davis, the inability to take charge when his team needs it the most. The Lakers are still heavily dependent upon LeBron James and it showed in their last outing as well. Not only the Nuggets, but AD was outplayed by King James and moreover he fell short in points and assists despite staying on the court longer. However, some breathing space can be given since it was only the first game.

While the fans may be able to let this one slide, Paul Pierce is in no mood to let this go. After the game, Pierce blasted Davis along with the rest of the Lakers. The 46-year-old said, “My trust level is a 5”. Additionally, Pierce is willing to believe that AD is among the best players in the league, but the core issue is his “mentality”. The Celtics legend said that Davis is a great player when he wants to be but for whatever reason he is not stepping up.

Pierce also said that AD might be under pressure to carry LeBron’s legacy from here.

Lebron James had already announced that Davis would be the face of the franchise. At the time, it made a lot of sense because this would allow LeBron to play more freely. However, as it turned out in the first game, the commanding position still belonged to King James.

Read More: Stephen A. Believes Anthony Davis, Not LeBron James Needs to Be “Superstar” for the Lakers to Challenge Kevin Durant’s Suns

Not only that, he might also have to continue with the control of the team for some time. At least, till the Lakers franchise is ready to do it on its own.

Watch This Story: “That’s All I Really Care About Right Now”: Austin Reaves Is Looking to Create a Legacy With LeBron James, Which He Could Look Back at With His Kids