After missing exactly half of the regular season last year due to lower-leg injuries, Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is back on the floor with a more imposing body.
With the Lakers adding Russell Westbrook to the roster to support LeBron James and Davis, Davis still plays a fundamental role in the potential success of the team.
There are not many players in the league who can stop a fully healthy Davis when he’s at his best, and his ability to play the modern-day center makes him even better.
That’s why Davis’ teammates have high expectations for the 28-year-old big man as he looks to stay healthy for a good portion of the season.
Rajon Rondo, who returned to L.A. after spending last season elsewhere, wants Davis to win the MVP and bring home the championship, via Bill Oram of The Athletic:
“My expectation for him this year is MVP,” Rondo said. “Nothing less than MVP and a championship, and he’s a guy that can do it.”
Rondo added how Davis is the leader of the group, and eliminating the Lakers in the playoffs will be difficult when everyone is available.
“We go as he goes,” Rondo said. “Hopefully everyone stays healthy. And if that’s the case, we’ll be tough to beat four times before we beat you four times.”
Davis already started strongly after dropping 33 points in the regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors. If he can maintain a similar level of production and improve his 3-point and free-throw percentages, he’ll certainly make a case for MVP if things go Los Angeles’ way.
