Who is the true face of the Los Angeles Lakers? LeBron James recently stated that he thinks it’s Anthony Davis. The NBA‘s highest scorer thinks the big man should be the team’s face and leader. However, Stephen A. Smith took to First Take to disagree.
Who Is The Face Of The Lakers?
Smith disagrees with James’ statement as he’s ready to die on his hill with his opinion: Stephen Curry and James are the faces of the NBA. He doesn’t think Davis can be the face of the team if James is still around.
If James is the face of the NBA, it seems unfathomable for the former block champ to be the face of the Lakers.
The First Take co-host’s opinion is eerily similar to Charles Barkley’s. Both think that the four-time champ wants Davis to pick up his mantle so that he can slowly transition into retirement.
Smith even thinks the 2020 NBA champ is a great player when he’s on his A-game, just like Jeanie Buss’ thoughts. However, the inconsistency is a significant factor holding Davis back.
“He is a superstar in the game of basketball without question. You drop 40 one game and the next day on a playoff game you score 11. You can’t put back-to-back big time performances in a post-season game to save your life.”
Stephen A. Smith
The 55-year-old even equates Davis to Six Flags, a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.
Anthony Davis Is Still A Great Player
Smith doesn’t deny that the Lakers center is a great player, even making the top seven on his list when he’s playing great—without injuries—and motivated to play.
Shannon Sharpe chimes in by agreeing with his co-host’s idea of James pressuring Davis to improve. Everyone needs someone in their corner, and the Lakers forward will always be supporting Davis.
The face of the NBA is, in other words, a hype man to his teammate. He’ll be the one constantly saying Davis can do it, someone to tell him yes when the whole world yells no.
Despite that, James’ longevity is something to marvel at, with his 21st season coming up in a few weeks. Once Bronny James makes it to the NBA, that might be LeBron James’ last year.
Do you think Anthony Davis will eventually become the face of the Lakers?
