MY ACCOUNT
Los Angeles Lakers recruit Russell Westbrook labelled Anthony Davis as “the ultimate weapon” and said it is his job to bring out the best of the eight-time NBA All-Star.
Davis was below his best during the 2020-21 season as the Lakers were dethroned and eliminated in the playoffs in the first round, with injuries forcing the 28-year-old to miss 36 games.
An NBA champion in 2019-20, Davis – the number one draft pick in 2012 – averaged 21.8 points per game last season, which was his lowest return since his second campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013-14, along with a career-low field goal percentage of 49.1.
Defensively, Davis had a career-low season averaging 7.9 rebounds per game and 1.6 blocks per game, but former MVP Westbrook was bullish about maximising his talent in the 2021-22 season.
“[He is] The ultimate weapon,” Westbrook told reporters about Davis on Wednesday, having arrived via a trade from the Washington Wizards.
“It’s my job to supervise it to the best of my ability to make sure that AD, LeBron [James], whoever is in the pick and roll are put in positions to be successful.
“He’s one of a kind. There’s nobody like him who can do everything he’s able to do at his size.
“My job is to make sure I continue to push him each day, each practice, each game, so he can be at the top of his game each and every night.
“He’s been in this league a long time, so he understands how to play the game. He knows what he needs to turn up, and I know now he wants to turn up. So it’s my job to make sure that’s up every single night.”
Davis, who is a four-time All-NBA First Team member and has led the league for blocks on three occasions, said the demanding presence of players like nine-time All-Star Westbrook was good for him.
“I like team-mates who are going to push me,” Davis said. “Encouragement — I don’t need encouragement. I want to be pushed.
“I want guys to tell me when I’m messing up. Me and Russ had numerous conversations in this first practice alone about things we can do together as a duo when we’re both on the floor.”
Davis added that he expects to play center for the Lakers this season, which Westbrook endorsed saying his team-mate can “pretty much do everything” in the role.
