Anthony Davis has proven to be a top-level player irrespective of the long injury situations he’s faced in his impressive NBA career. The Lakers’ power forward, unfortunately plagued with a series of injuries during his first four seasons in the league, won the 2020 NBA Finals in his first season with the Lakers.
Davis is highly regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time and was selected to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 as a mark of recognition for his talent. While recent injury news has halted Davis’ on-court action, the former NFL legend has raised several eyebrows by picking a younger star over Davis.
Anthony Davis injury update
Anthony Davis was missing in action when the Lakers faced the Houston Rockets, due to left hip spasms. The power forward had earlier exited early in the Lakers’ previous matchup against the Miami Heat. Despite Anthony Davis participating in Wednesday’s shoot-around and workout before the Rockets’ game, the team opted to keep him out of action, and they eventually lost to the Rockets with a 94-128 scoreline.
While Anthony Davis’ return is tipped for Friday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, according to sources who revealed to ESPN, the Lakers were also without the services of center Jaxson Hayes, who is out due to a left ankle sprain during their recent loss to the Houston Rockets.
Coach Darvin Ham had to rely on the services of Christian Wood and Rui Hachimura, who returned after a four-game absence due to the concussion protocol. Anthony Davis’ anticipated return on Friday’s matchup could be the factor for the team’s expected victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Bam Adebayo deemed better than Davis
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, who is considered among the best players in the league currently, has found favour on the side of former NFL player O. J Simpson, who clearly stated his choice of picking him over the Lakers’Anthony Davis. This was revealed in a post on X by NBA Central with the caption, “OJ Simpson says Bam Adebayo is better than Anthony Davis.”
OJ Simpson said, “I like tough, so I’m going with Bam because I like tough,” Simpson said on the “It Is What It Is” podcast hosted by rappers Cam’Ron and Ma$e. “I think your boy (Davis) is maybe more dangerous offensively when he’s on but Bam is tough and I like tough.”
Statistically, Anthony Davis in 6 games this year has averaged 26.3 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high 3.7 blocks, while Bam Adebayo has averaged 21.4 points. Given this disparity in both player’s statistics, most fans and analysts alike would most likely disagree with Simpson’s summation, as Anthony Davis is widely considered a top 10 player in the league.
While Simpson has successfully initiated a controversial debate, this current season could be the defining moment for both players, which will either align with Simpson’s view or differ from it. Do you think Bam Adebayo is better than Anthony Davis? Share your view with us now in the comment box.
