

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been title contenders. But, the incorporation of LeBron James into the team further made them must-see TV. However, the conversation around the team has taken on a new light with James’ advancing age. Unfortunately, it brought into question when Anthony Davis would take the baton. But, with his injury history and occasional inconsistency, the perception around Davis hasn’t been ideal. Nicknames like Day–To-Davis and Alternate Days all make the vernacular. Now, with the team ready for a tough quarter-final battle against the Phoenix Suns in the In-Season Tournament, the originator of the nickname, Charles Barkley, has a new way to describe AD. This time around, however, it requires just one word.
“Inconsistent.” That is the one label around him that The Brow cannot remove. Discussing the team and their relatively mediocre starts, Kenny “The Jet” Smith put things into perspective. “It’s the inconsistency bow of the regular season.”
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“These two teams do not play in the first half of the season. They turn it on after the All-Star break…They have experienced players.” Chuck had to chime in about the relative “experience”. “LeBron’s the only person out there that’s old.”
“LeBron is old…When Kenny says inconsistency, it’s all about Anthony Davis…I don’t have a lot of faith in Anthony Davis because he’s just too inconsistent…You gotta guy who’s 39 who’s outplaying him…That should never happen.”

USA Today via Reuters
Nov 12, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports
With a brand new set of marbles up for grabs, can AD remove the stigma of inconsistency from around his neck? Or, is the Chuckster going to have the last laugh?
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Charles Barkley is ultimately correct
Ultimately, the Phoenix Suns legend was proven correct. Despite an emphatic first half, where he would tally 20 points, Davis went missing in the second half. Rather than between games, it was during the two halves that the inconsistency was visible. However, both LeBron and Austin Reaves were the difference makers in the 4th.
While James would total 12 points and compile a stat line not seen since 1987 by a Laker, the story of the game became a game-winning 3 from Hillbilly Kobe. At the end of the game, however, came one last effort from AD. While he made only one of two free throws, it was enough for LA to pull away with the win.
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Despite a controversial referee call, a story of two halves would define the night for Anthony, once again proving Chuck correct. With a Semi-Finals berth secure, can he change the narrative?
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