Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Midseason team awards

By Orestis Rantis

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak during a time out in the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak during a time out in the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers have had an extraordinary selection of big men play for their franchise. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal are just a few of the Hall of Fame-caliber players that have worn the purple and gold.

In his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, superstar Anthony Davis has been nothing short of incredible. He has taken this noteworthy tradition of great Lakers big men and has managed to carry it onwards.

Other than averaging a team-high 26.5 points per game, Davis has paired up with Javale McGee to form an unstoppable defensive frontcourt duo. His 2.4 blocks per game currently place him third in the league, but then again, defense ain’t just steals and blocks.

Related Story. Ranking the top 5 young cores in the NBA. light

Here are some stats to prove Davis’ defensive worth for the Lakers. The Lakers have the fourth-best defensive rating in the league. They are leading the league in blocks per game. They allow the fewest rebounds per game for their opponents.

Now finally on a good team with championship aspirations, Anthony Davis stands a good chance at bringing home that Defensive Player of the Year award. And we’re talking about the league award, not the team one.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers