3 ways Anthony Davis compares to young LeBron James
By Ryan Piers
2. The numbers
Statistically, young James and Davis measure up. Let’s again look at LeBron’s 2008-09 season, his sixth in the league, compared to Davis’ current campaign.
- Davis: 28.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.5 BPG, 1.5 SPG
- James: 27.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.6 SPG
Predictably, Davis is a better rebounder and shot-blocker, while LeBron a better passer. Their points and steals per game are almost identical.
It’s understandable for fans to remember young LeBron as an almost mythically good athlete shouldering the Cavs entire roster during regular marches through the Eastern Conference. He had an Atlas-like aura about him.
When he returned to Cleveland, news station after news station aired stories about LeBron’s impact on the economy.
This is why it’s jarring to see Davis post numbers so similar to young James. It’s reflective of how incredible a year he is having and why he is in the MVP conversation.
This isn’t to say Davis is on track to be as good as James, though. LeBron was more durable and consistent than Davis, and it’s unlikely the Brow, or any player, will produce the kind of career post-25 years old like LeBron has had.