Although Anthony Davis is a dominant big man and a generational talent, he has become something of a polarizing figure among Los Angeles Lakers fans.
He is injury-prone, which has made him a lightning rod for criticism, and his critics also insist that he is completely inconsistent, unmotivated, lazy and soft.
Of course, there is only a minuscule amount of truth, if any, in those criticisms. While Davis isn’t a perfect superstar big man (who is, though?), he has played a huge role in the Lakers’ success over the last four seasons.
This season, he averaged 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 56.3 percent from the field in the regular season. His rebounding average and field-goal percentage were both career highs.
Although his scoring went down to 22.6 a game in the playoffs, he was usually even more of a beast defensively and on the boards. In 16 games, he grabbed 14.1 boards and rejected 3.1 shots a game, both of which led the NBA Playoffs so far.
Not too long from now, Davis will be up for a possible contract extension, but former NBA center and current ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins says the Lakers shouldn’t make him an offer, at least not yet (h/t The Cold Wire).
Davis has two years left on his current contract, but he can opt out of the final year of that deal and become a free agent next summer.
With James nearing the day he eventually leaves the Lakers, either via retirement or joining another team, Davis represents their best chance of remaining relevant after James departs. The big man is just 30 years of age, and if he avoids a truly major injury, he could have approximately five more good or great years left in him, which would surely extend past James’ Lakers tenure.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire