New Year’s resolutions for the Los Angeles Lakers

2. Anthony Davis: Don’t change

Only the most researched and dedicated critics would be able to find a lot of negatives in Anthony Davis’ first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Davis is averaging 27.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. He is leading the Lakers in each of those stat categories and he ranks second in the league in blocks. He is a legit contender for league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

The Lakers were banking on Davis being able to turn them into an instant title contender when they traded most of their young core to New Orleans to get him and it looks like they’re getting what they paid for.

Just as important as his on-court production, it appears that Davis has no problem with the fact that LeBron James is getting more attention and accolades, even though it can easily be argued that Davis is L.A.’s best and most important player.

Surely, Davis was attracted to L.A. in part because of the bigger stage, brighter spotlight, and better opportunities to became a megastar with mainstream appeal. But there’s also great value in avoiding the unprecedented level of pressure and scrutiny that LeBron faces on a regular basis.

If LeBron can continue to shoulder those burdens while A.D. just plays incredible basketball, the Lakers are in good shape.

In 2020, Davis just needs to keep doing what he’s doing.

Dominate defensively, produce at an elite level offensively, stay healthy, stay humble, and the Lakers should be right in the thick of the championship picture.