Now that the Los Angeles Lakers‘ season is over, a lot of discussion has revolved around the strengths and weaknesses of the team’s roster.
Obviously, few people are going to harshly criticize the work of LeBron James, who is still repeatedly very consequential for the team even at 38 years old.
But others are taking issue with Anthony Davis and especially his inconsistency and leadership skills.
On Wednesday, JJ Redick spoke about Davis and his particular skillset.
He said it’s time that people stop looking to him as the team’s alpha leader.
“No matter how much we try to make Anthony Davis into this alpha, that’s not who he is,” Redick said on Get Up.
“He’s a fantastic basketball player, an All-NBA player, an All-Defensive player, he’s not an alpha no matter how hard we try,” he added.
"No matter how much we try to make Anthony Davis into this alpha, that's not who he is. He's a fantastic basketball player, an All-NBA player, an All-Defensive player, he's not an alpha."
—@jj_redick pic.twitter.com/4Ic8d04fW7
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 24, 2023
This is a claim that has been leveled against Davis since he came to the Lakers several seasons ago.
When he first moved over to the Lakers, the idea was that he would be the one to carry the torch for the team once James retired.
That would require that he be the team’s most important player and also its de facto leader.
He would have to set the tempo, dominate every opponent, and affect the team’s culture and chemistry.
While he is a monster on the scoreboard in many ways, people such as Redick are saying it’s time to stop assuming he will be the team’s central figure.
Redick claimed that Davis’ inability to be LA’s alpha isn’t because he’s a bad player but because James is such a good one.
It’s hard to be a squad’s most powerful star when you’re playing alongside someone like James.
As James’ retirement draws closer, many people will wonder if Davis can finally step up and become the team’s leader.
If not, who will be?
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