The Los Angeles Lakers’ prominent center extended his impressive 2023-24 season on Wednesday, falling just one assist short of a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a 127-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks (24-18).
NBA @NBALeBron James connects with AD on the full-court assist 👀
📺 Mavericks-Lakers | Live on ABC pic.twitter.com/41BpWNdCII
Los Angeles Lakers @LakersThrow it down AD 〰️
Throw it down AD 〰️
⭐️ https://t.co/mVlG4tlfMz ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/oFxw9yMHug
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 18, 2024
He narrowly missed securing his second triple-double in the last three games.
D’Angelo Russell, clearly content with his return to the starting lineup, contributed 29 points, while LeBron James posted a solid 25 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
The Lakers dampened another stellar performance from Luka Dončić, who achieved a triple-double (33 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) in his comeback from a three-game injury absence, while Kyrie Irving struggled to find his rhythm (12 points on 4-of-16 shooting, six assists).
Nevertheless, Davis took center stage in this game, earning praise from NBA enthusiasts and pundits on social media:
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBAIt’s the strangest season. AD is the best he’s ever been, and LeBron is still great. Yet…the team is average. Now, we need to bank on them sustaining it as Ham finds the right mix and Pelinka makes moves.
Jason Timpf @_JasonLTAnthony Davis is playing at an insanely high level right now.
Coach Rome @Rome_Beastwe gotta talk about anthony davis leap as a passer bro
he’s taken the next stop ppl used to kill him for
⭐️Lorraine Rivera ⭐ @roxygirl7985Anthony Davis deserves to be an All Star this season. ⭐️
Janet 🌻 @SlimjaneyyyAnthony Davis out here playing like an MVP
karin. @KarinAbcarianswhat a joy it is to watch Anthony Davis play basketball
Godson @GodsongizzeAnthony Davis has been very superb for the Lakers this season.
Lakers On 𝕏 @LakersOnXAnthony Davis is HIM
Lakers Nation @LakersNationAnthony. Davis.
That’s it, that’s the tweet.
As previously mentioned, it’s bewildering that Davis is arguably delivering the best basketball of his career, James continues to be a formidable force at the age of 39, and the Lakers possess a roster of very capable role players… and yet, they maintain a record of just 21-21 for the season.
Nevertheless, if the Lakers secure a playoff spot and Davis maintains this level of performance, they will be a formidable opponent. It’s difficult to envision L.A.’s front office squandering one of the final years of James’ career, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they are actively seeking to add a third star before the Feb. 8 trade deadline unless the team experiences a significant winning streak.
For now, they have secured two consecutive victories. It’s a promising beginning. If Davis sustains this level of play, one would anticipate more victories than losses in the future.
