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Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Davis can lead the Lakers to a championship this season

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/15/24

The Los Angeles Lakers fell short in their attempt to win the 2023 NBA championship. They were swept in the Western Conference Finals, losing to the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic then led his team to a franchise-first championship.

However, the Lakers made some smart moves during the summer. Currently, they sit ninth in the Western Conference. Injuries have derailed their chances of making waves throughout the season thus far, but ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes the Lakers are still legitimate contenders this season. He also believes Anthony Davis holds the keys to the franchise's success.

"Anthony Davis has been a superstar. There's no way around it. This brotha shows up night in and night out. I called him Six Flags simply because he was hurt, and you never knew when he was gonna play," Smith said on ESPN's "First Take." "That's not been the case this year; he has shown up...If Hachimura, Russell, and Reaves do what they're capable of doing...LeBron, AD, D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are all averaging 20 points and 5 assists per game, at least. If they continue to do that, then that is there identity."

.@stephenasmith can't dismiss the Lakers' title hopes and says Anthony Davis has been a "superstar" pic.twitter.com/1GwawxwKOo
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 15, 2024

Davis, 30, is among the most dominant players in the NBA. When he's at his best, he's unstoppable on both sides of the ball. This season, the veteran star is averaging 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 55.3% from the field. Davis is capable of being the best player on the floor. He's also capable of being the Lakers' primary option, regardless of the situation or the magnitude of the game.

A healthy Davis and LeBron James will ensure the Lakers are taken seriously this spring. Regular-season record accounts for nothing once the playoffs begin. Every team will have a clean slate. GM Rob Pelinka has constructed a team that can be dominant in the postseason.

Of course, the Lakers will face stern competition in the West. The Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, L.A. Clippers and defending champion Nuggets are all viewed as potential contenders. None of those teams have James on their roster, though. He has a proven track record of overcoming the odds en route to a championship.

Whether Davis and LeBron have the right supporting cast in place will be the biggest deciding factor. The Lakers likely believe they have the necessary ingredients. The playoffs will be the best litmus test for that belief. Even if the team ultimately falls short during the current campaign, they have the basis of a championship roster in place. It may just need a few more tweaks in the summer before a title run next season.

James can still win his fifth ring. But, he will need Davis to carry a heavy load in order to do so. The Lakers already knew that, though. That's why they acquired him in the first place. Now, it's time for Davis to repay that faith once more by helping James add to his legacy.

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