4 legacies on the line ahead of the 2024 NBA playoffs

1) Anthony Davis

Tasked with shouldering a significant portion of the team's offensive and defensive load, Davis finds himself under immense pressure to deliver alongside LeBron James in the City of Angels. The expectations are sky-high, magnified by the weight of playing for one of the league's most storied franchises. LeBron is out right now, but he will be back. Still, the focus is and should remain on Davis.

Since joining forces with James, Davis has been tasked with helping carry the Lakers to championship contention, a responsibility he willingly accepted when he arrived in Los Angeles. They did win one in the bubble, but outside of that magic run, there hasn't been much to go on.

Right now, LA is in the play-in tournament, with television analysts practically begging for them to get into the playoffs (pathetic behavior). The pressure on Davis is further heightened by the hefty contract extension he signed with the Lakers this past season.

The pressure on Davis is further heightened by the hefty contract extension he signed with the Lakers this past season. The Lakers' desire for redemption stems from their humiliating sweep at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs last year. Anything short of championship contention would be viewed as a disappointment for Davis and the Lakers faithful, who are used to the great history that comes from wearing the purple and gold.