Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis
Throughout his seven-year NBA career, Anthony Davis has been every bit the generational talent so many saw him as coming out of college in 2012.
He averaged 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 blocks per game last season and that was considered a down year due to the circumstances created as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.
During that same time, however, the level of playoff success typically associated with a player of AD’s stature never came, with just a single second-round appearance across two postseason outings.
Part of those shortcomings can be attributed to a lack of talent surrounding Davis that’s been proven necessary to compete in the Western Conference.
Then again, players under similar circumstances have managed to squeak into the playoffs or at least come closer than the six-time All-Star has over the years.
Whereas his best teammate was a short-lived relationship with DeMarcus Cousins, Davis now gets to run pick-and-rolls with LeBron James. The two form arguably the best tandem in the league on a Los Angeles Lakers squad expected to re-enter the title conversation.
There was a reason the Lakers desperately coveted AD both at the deadline and during the summer. In his first season in LA, James wasn’t enough to end what is now a six-year playoff drought.
Having sent away a treasure chest to acquire him, the once glorious franchise is hoping that despite an unproven postseason track record, Davis is the key back to championship relevance.
With his trade demand granted, it’s on him to prove that his all-time talent can function as exactly that.