Anthony Davis is often forgotten about on this Lakers team. While that statement may sound asinine, it is meant in a historical context. We are all aware of how LeBron James is important to Lakers’ history due to his stature. But what about Davis, who might spend his prime in the purple and gold?

Well, he is forcing his name into a conversation with the pantheon of Laker greats that came before him. A 34-point Game 1 performance with a win over the Miami Heat was the perfect way to do that.

Davis has the third-highest individual score in a Finals debut in Lakers franchise history. The two men he is behind are Shaquille O’Neal (43 points) and George Mikan (42 points).

Anthony Davis moving towards being amongst the greatest players in Lakers history?

Well, calling Davis a Lakers legend this early in his tenure is obviously hyperbolic. But if he delivers on this championship this season, especially with the surrounding circumstances, he does throw his name into the hat. While LeBron is in that conversation by virtue of being LeBron, he will never put up the resume that greats before him had. This is mainly because LeBron has joined the team at the tail end of his prime.

Davis, on the other hand, is just breaking out. This is the first season in his career that he has played high-level meaningful basketball. If you analyze the numbers, Davis’s production has gone down from his days in New Orleans. However, his numbers are so much more valuable coming next to LeBron James on a squad that are heavy favorites to win the NBA Championship.

This performance reflects very well on Davis’s young Lakers’ career. He can only build on a performance like this, and LakerNation will be hopeful that they have found a superstar that can carry them after whenever LeBron James may call it quits on his time with LA.