76ers big man Paul Reed provided Lakers star Anthony Davis with plenty of bulletin board material before the Philadelphia-Los Angeles matchup on Monday night. Reed was asked about the keys to defending Davis and was unapologetically honest in his response, calling the Lakers center “a big flopper,” per Austin Krell of ESPN.
“He’s a big flopper, so make sure that I don’t get in foul trouble early. Can’t be too aggressive with him. You know, he’s gonna be flailing. So, gotta make sure that I stay out of foul trouble.” - Paul Reed on the keys to matching up with Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/NzTXQsePix
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) November 27, 2023
Reed said that Davis is “going to be flailing,” adding that he has to limit his aggressiveness so that he doesn’t get into foul trouble. Well then.
Davis, who picks up his fair share of nicks and bruises during games, has been labeled soft by some, especially former players and current Inside the NBA hosts Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley. The Lakers star often hits the deck a few times each game, which is likely why Reed is quick to call him a flopper.
Davis is listed as probable for the tilt with Philly due to a hip issue he’s been managing, though the Lakers might as well change his status to available. It’d be a bit surprising if Davis were to miss this opportunity to make Reed eat his words. Coming off of a 32-point, 13-rebound effort against the Cavaliers on Saturday, Davis should be extra motivated to put together another big game.
